Abstract: A test connector (10) includes a connector body (30) with terminals therein, a lid (20), four guiding mechanisms (50), and two pressing mechanisms (40). The connector body comprises an outer housing (34) and an inner housing (32) for receiving an IC package (80). Each pressing mechanism comprises a first shaft (44) attached to the lid, a second shaft (46) mounted to the outer housing, two operating levers (42) engaged between the first and second shafts, and a leaf spring (48) mounted to the first shaft. When the lid is in an upper position, the pressing mechanisms are in a first position in which the leaf springs are disengaged from the IC package, while when the lid is in a lower position, the pressing mechanisms are moved to a second position in which the leaf springs are engaged with the IC package thereby the IC package can be tested.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) for electrically connecting a central processing unit (CPU) with a printed circuit board (PCB). The connector includes a base (10), a cover (12), terminals (19) received in the base, a columnar cam actuator (16) for actuating the cover to slide along the base, a protecting mechanism, and a base ring (18). The protecting mechanism includes a base plate (142) secured in the base, and a cover plate (141) secured in the cover. The base plate includes a base portion (1424) and a raised portion (1427). The base and raised portions cooperatively define a fastening space (1423) therebetween. In assembly of the connector, the cam actuator is passed through the cover, the cover plate and the base plate, and a bottommost column of the cam actuator is received in the fastening space. The base ring is inserted into the fastening space and riveted to the bottommost column.

Abstract: A socket connector (1, 1′) for electrically connecting an IC package and a PCB includes a base (2, 2′), a cover (3, 3′) slidably mounted on the base, an actuator mechanism (4, 4′) sandwiched between the cover and the base, and a plurality of terminals received in the base. The cover has a side wall (304, 304′) forming an engaging member (306, 306′) thereon. The actuator mechanism includes an actuating lever (43, 43′) having mating means (432, 4322) protruding toward the side wall of the cover. The mating means mates with the engaging member to prevent the actuating lever from springing back from position. Thus the IC package is securely mounted on the connector. Additionally, the actuating lever is spaced from the side wall of the cover, thereby allowing convenient operation of the actuating lever.

Abstract: A connector (11) has a locking portion (13b) for locking a connected state in which the connector is connected to a mating connector (1). The locking portion is integral with a conductive shielding shell (13) covering an insulator housing (12) holding a conductive contact (14a). The housing has a guide portion (12a) for guiding the mating connector when it is connected. The locking portion is formed at a position corresponding to the guide portion.

Abstract: An electrical connector locking system includes a first connector receptacle provided on an electrical connector box, a lock cover joinable to a first electrical connector inserted to the first connector receptacle, and a first engagement portion provided on the lock cover. The lock cover is pivotably supported by a pivot base and the first engagement portion is engageable with a second engagement portion provided on the first electrical connector. A double locking mechanism is thus formed by the first electrical connector engaging with the first connector receptacle upon insertion therein, and by the lock cover pivoting to a position where the first engagement portion engages with the second engagement portion on the first electrical connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting circuit board assemblies and for aligning and guiding plugs on the rear of said circuit board assemblies for insertion into mating sockets of a backplane. A vertically oriented guide plate has horizontal guide slots. Each circuit board assembly has a pair of guide posts that are inserted into a guide slot to support the circuit board assembly. The guide slot and the guide post maintain proper alignment of a plug on a rear extremity of said circuit board extremity with a backplane socket as the circuit board assembly is moved inwardly towards the backplane.

Abstract: The invention concerns a spring-force clamp connector for connecting an electrical conductor, which has a conductive core piece with a four-cornered material passage according to this design, in which the end of the clamping member of a leaf spring penetrates such that the end of the clamping member forms a clamping site for the electrical conductor together with an inner wall area of the aperture collar of the material passage. It is proposed to use for the inner wall area of the aperture collar of the material passage a new shaping with a cross edge/edge and to arrange the clamping site for the electrical conductor deep in the material passage, whereby at the same time a metal-encased conductor pre-capture pocket is formed.

Abstract: An electric signal taking-out method and a device therefor capable of taking out electric signals for measurement easily from opposite ends of an arbitrary chip part soldered to a circuit board. A pair of contact elements having sharp distal ends and bent obliquely inward are arranged so that the distal ends thereof face each other. The contact elements are shifted inward by a holding member so that the distal ends bite into solder joints by which the chip part is soldered to the circuit board. The contact elements are held in the biting state so that electric signals are taken out independently from the respective contact elements.

Abstract: A unit for indicating lights (3a, 3b, 3c, 5, 6, 7) includes a cylindrical case (11). Opposite end portions (18, 19) of the case (11) are each connected with a corresponding end portion (19, 18) of a case (11) of a corresponding unit (3a, 3b, 3c, 5, 6, 7) through relative rotation of the cases. An electrical connection member (14, 140, 141, 142) extended between the opposite end portions (18, 19) of the case (11) establishes electrical connection between units (3a, 3b, 3c, 5, 6, 7) corresponding to each other. First and second ends (28, 29) of the electrical connection member (14, 140, 141, 142) are provided with first and second terminal portions (31, 31a; 32, 32a), respectively.

Abstract: A power surge protectorant electrical outlet assembly for protecting against power surges and interrupting ground fault circuits in the event of electrical problems including short circuits.

Abstract: An electrical connector or (1) includes an insulative housing, a terminal subassembly, an inner shell (60), an outer shell (71), a rear shell (72) and a pair of grounding tabs (50). The insulative housing (12) includes a mating portion (126) and a supporting portion (120). A pair of channels (127) are defined in the mating portion, The inner shell encloses the mating portion and the outer shell encloses both the insulative housing and the inner shell. A pair of grounding legs (63) extend oppositely from the inner shell, each having a projection protruded therefrom, The grounding legs are received in corresponding channels of the housing, Each grounding tab (50) includes a solder tail (54), a contacting portion (52) and intermediate portion (51) extending therebetween. The contacting portion is received in the corresponding channels and electrically connects to the grounding leg of the inner shell.

Abstract: A case (12) for a computer monitor (10) having a tub (16) with a case aperture (38) therein adapted for receiving a subpanel (26). The subpanel (26) has a plurality of electrical connectors (28) which are user accessible thereby. A beveled flange (40) on the subpanel (26) is received within a receiving flange (44) on the case aperture (38). A structural grid (32) within the case (12) has a flexible portion (34) which includes a can (33) coupled to a flexible arm (35), and which has a screw receiving aperture (42) therein such that a screw (30) is passed through a subpanel screw aperture (48) in the subpanel (26) and secured within the screw receiving aperture (42), thereby flexing the flexible portion (34) to hold the subpanel (26) firmly within the case aperture (38).

Abstract: In a connector member, each of contacts has a contact portion to be connected to a counterpart connector, a retention portion retained by an insulator, and a connecting portion to be connected with a cable. Each connecting portion is connected with the cable by soldering and projected from the insulator in an axial direction of the contact. Each connecting portion is formed obliquely in a contact pitch direction of the connector. A plug connector is provided with a shell on an upper surface of the connector member, and covered with a hood so as to expose a fitting portion.

Abstract: A coaxial cable connector is provided for interconnecting coaxial cables having center and outer conductors. The coaxial cable connector utilizes a contact and shell arrangement defining a strip line geometry for the electric fields generated by signals passing through the coaxial cable connector. The contacts and shells may be formed with planar conductors aligned parallel to one another with a center conductive strip sandwiched between planar ground strips, all of which are separated by dielectric materials. The widths and thicknesses of the contact and ground planes, the spacing there between and the dielectric materials are manufacturable in an easy, reliable, and cost effective method.

Abstract: A coupler plug, configured for a planar lambda probe, for example, is described as including a housing having a base element and a cover element, as well as including electrical components configured to be inserted arid fixed in the housing, and an adjusting element for a probe, such as, for example, a planar broadband lambda probe, which is mounted in the coupler plug or outside the coupler plug, via a further contact element. The cover element is attachable over the adjusting element and includes a primary locking mechanism for arranging the cover element in a first latching position and a secondary locking mechanism for arranging the cover element in a final position, which cooperates with the cover element.

Abstract: Terminal tools are fixed to end portions of a plurality of wires that are covered with a shield lacing, and a shield case is connected/fixed to the shield lacing. End portions of respective wires are inserted into a unit housing of the electronic unit from the outside and connected to circuits in the unit housing, and then connected portions between respective wires and a unit housing are covered with the shield case from the outside by fixing the shield case to an outer surface of the unit housing. Also, the shield case and the shield lacing are brought into the state that they can be grounded via the unit housing.

Abstract: A connector has a housing (30) with side-by-side cavities (31). A resiliently deformable lock (40) is formed in each cavity (31) for locking terminal fittings (10) in the respective cavities (31). Locks (40) of adjacent cavities (31) are coupled by coupling pieces (51) to enhance the strength of the locks (40).

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an electrical connector connectable to a printed circuit board on one end, which includes an insulative housing and a plurality of insulative posts disposed in the insulative housing, with the insulative posts arranged in at least one row. Each of the insulative posts has a first side and a second side, and the insulative posts extend in a direction away from the printed circuit board. A plurality of signal conductors are provided, with each signal conductor having a first contact end connectable to the printed circuit board, a second contact end, and an intermediate portion therebetween that is disposed in the insulative housing, wherein the signal conductors are disposed along the first side of the insulative posts.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) includes a dielectric housing (2) including front and rear housing portions (20, 22) each defining a number of juxtaposed channels (202) along a first direction and an intermediate housing portion (24) interconnecting the front housing portion with the rear housing portion. A number of circuit modules (3) are side by side retained in the housing along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each circuit module includes a first circuit board (30), a second circuit board (32) and a number of cables (33) electrically connecting the first circuit board with the second circuit board. The first and the second circuit boards have front and rear mating edges (30, 32) respectively received in the channels of the front and the rear housing portions for mating with complementary components.

Abstract: An improved current tap structure comprises an outer body with an inner body disposed therein. Two parallel grooves are provided in the inner body to receive and position two U-shaped contacts and two lead wires connected therewith. Two blades are provided at two sides of the grooves. The blades and the lead wires are exposed from a plug face and the bottom face of the outer body, respectively. Notches are provided between barriers at two sides of the grooves and an outlet plate of the inner body so that the U-shaped contacts and the lead wires connected therewith can slide into the grooves from the notches. Thereby, the effect of simplifying the assembly steps can be achieved, and the advantages of quick processing speed, low assembly cost and low price can also be accomplished.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulation housing, conductive terminals, first spring arms, second spring arms, solder legs, a circuit board and several retaining portions. A memory card slot is formed in the housing which adapted to receive the flash memory cards of different types. Each conductive terminal includes a spring portion and a solder portion. The solder portions of the conductive terminals and the solder legs are disposed on the lateral of the housing of the electrical connector. The solder portions of the conductive terminals are soldered on a main board for conducting the electronic signals between the flash memory cards and the main board. The solder legs are soldered on the main board to connect the circuit on the circuit board with the main board for transmitting the electronic signals between the flash memory cards and the circuit board.

Abstract: A connector for a speaker includes a box-shaped member having a block piece and an engaging member through which the box-shaped member is secured to a frame member of the speaker and a conductive wire in form of a coil spring having one end contacting a terminal provided for the frame member of the speaker and another one end projecting outward of the box-shaped member so as to contact a substrate of the speaker.

Abstract: An electrical connector including a circuit board, a contact spring insert, and an insulation displacement terminal insert wherein the contact spring insert is positioned between the insulation displacement terminal insert and the circuit board. The insert assembly can be mounted to a jack housing to form a telecommunications jack for receiving telecommunications plugs.

Abstract: An electrical connector system (200) is disclosed that includes a plurality of modular components. The modular components can include a receptacle housing (210, 503, 1410, 1610, 1810, 1910, 2162, 2610, 3010, 3410), a socket insert (212, 214, 400, 500), a socket electrical contact (410), a grounding spring (216, 218, 1916, 1918).The system includes matching orientation indicia on the polarization keys (220, 270) and housing windows (254) for viewing the indicia. The coupler (290) is slidably mounted on the plug assembly and include cam slots for causing mating and retraction of the plug (204) and receptacle (202) and also includes open position and engaged position indicator strips (2320, 2330, 2340). The system may include grounding springs (216, 218, 1916, 1918) for engaging the mounting panel and may be used with various types of backshells (2800, 2900 3100, 3200, 3300) including shield wire termination types.

Abstract: An electrical connector for a chargeable battery includes a housing, a number of pins, a number of springs and a number of terminals. The housing includes a mating surface, a mounting surface and a number of receiving holes defined between the mating surface and the mounting surface. Each receiving hole of the housing receives one pin, one spring and one terminal therein. Each pin has a contact portion for connection with the chargeable battery and a shoulder portion extending outward from the contact portion. Each spring has a first end abutting against the shoulder portion of the pin and a second end abutting against the terminal. Each terminal has a mounting base, first and second conductive arms extending from the mounting base connectable with the shoulder portion of the pin thereby defining a transmission path through the contact portion, the shoulder portion of the pin, the conductive arms and the mounting base of the terminal.

Abstract: A joint connector (JC) has housings (20) with chambers (21) therein. Insertion openings (22) and outlets (23) extend into each chamber (21) at the front end of the housing (20). Terminal fittings (10) are inserted into chambers (21) so that joints (16) of the terminal fittings (10) project forward through outlets (23). A cover (60) is detachably mounted on each housing (20) to protect the joints (16). Insertion holes (72) and insertion paths (73) are formed in the cover (60) and align with the insertion openings (22) of the housing (20). A probe (80) can be inserted through the insertion holes (72) and the insertion paths (73) for contacting the terminal fittings (10) so that an electrical connection test can be performed.

Abstract: An electrical power connection block housing including a first housing piece and a second housing piece. The first housing piece forms at least a portion of a first exterior side of the block housing. An interior side of the first housing piece has a first slot shaped bus bar mounting area. The second housing piece is connected to the first housing piece. The second housing piece has a portion with a first side located directly opposite the interior side of the first housing piece and a second slot shaped bus bar mounting area on the first side of the second housing piece. The first and second housing pieces form a first bus bar receiving area with the first and second bus bar mounting areas located generally opposite each other on opposite sides of the receiving area for capturing a bus bar therebetween.

Abstract: A screw terminal assembly for a wiring device includes a terminal base with a bore having an internal thread. A screw having a shank with an internal thread and a head at one end is threadedly engaged in the bore. A portion of the external thread is deformed adjacent the end remote from the head to limit removal of the screw from the bore.

Abstract: A plug-type connector in which the individual stripped wire ends coming into the connector, whether for the female element of the plug or for the prong male element of the plug, are secured without the use of any tools.

Abstract: An electrical terminal and a system of the terminal and a housing is disclosed as an example of the present invention. The electrical terminal and the housing have a number of advantages including being sufficiently stiff to prevent arcing and physical damage to the electrical terminal upon being exposed to surge current/voltage. The terminal includes a contact with a base portion from which two spaced apart arms extend outwardly. First portions of the arms are generally parallel to one another. Second portions of the arms converge toward each other and then flare outwardly along third portions of the arms. At the junction of the second and third portions, there is a contact region formed to receive the lead of a surge protection device. The terminal is enclosed in an opening in the electrically insulative housing, the opening being bordered by walls closely adjacent to the first portions of the arms. The spacing of the walls from the arms is about 0.001 inches on each side of the terminal.

Abstract: An electrical connector system has an electrical contact structure including an electrically conducting contact with a metallic contact body having a hollow tubular portion, and a metallic contactor extending from the contact body. A hollow nonmetallic sleeve is joined to and extends from the hollow tubular portion of the contact body. The nonmetallic sleeve is coaxial with the hollow tubular portion in a region where the hollow tubular portion and the nonmetallic sleeve are joined to each other. A wire is inserted through an interior of the nonmetallic sleeve and into the hollow tubular portion of the contact body and is crimped to the hollow tubular portion. The electrical contact structure is received in an electrical connector body.

Abstract: A wave powered vessel includes a plurality of float members suspended by a suspending member on a hull body and movable upwardly and downwardly relative thereto with the rising and falling tides. A plurality of power units, such as gear trains or force pumps, are coupled respectively to the float members to rotate a driven shaft in a uni-direction so as to drive a propeller, thereby propelling the hull body forward.

Abstract: An aquatic toy comprises a hollow, buoyant body having a discharge port formed therein. At least one electrically driven pump is disposed in the body in fluid communication with the discharge port. An electrical power source is also disposed in the body. At least one proximity switch is disposed in the body and connected to the pump and the electrical power source. The proximity switch causes a control circuit between the electrical power source and the pump to close in response to the application of a magnetic field to the proximity switch.

Abstract: An outboard motor has a driveshaft housing and a lower unit coupled with each other. A driveshaft, which extends through the driveshaft housing and the lower unit, is divided into upper and lower section. The upper driveshaft section defines splines on a bottom outer surface. The lower driveshaft section defines splines on a top outer surface. A tubular coupling member defines splines on an inner surface thereof. The coupling member couples the bottom outer surface of the first shaft with the top outer surface of the second shaft by the respective splines. In one arrangement, a water pump is driven by the driveshaft. The coupling member is interposed between a rotor of the water pump and respective portions of the first and second shafts. In another arrangement, a bearing unit journals the driveshaft. The coupling member is interposed between a bearing of the bearing unit and the respective portions of the first and second shafts.

Abstract: A marine outdrive attachable to the transom of a boat having a conventional inboard engine and transmission. Said drive includes an aft support member extending rearwardly and pivotably attached to the transom whereby hydraulic actuators control vertical elevation of said member. Said member supports an axle upon which is journalled a cylinder with a plurity of contiguous and articulated blades, suitably attached so as to produce thrust when cylinder is rotated about the axle in a radial manner and said blades are brought into contact with water. Said cylinder is operably connected to the transmission in a conventional manner, which is operably connected to the engine in a conventional manner. Said blades are operably connected to an eccentric load cam within said cylinder that controls said blade angle throughout rotation, whereby delivered thrust can be continuously adjusted while underway. Said blades having unique shape and attributes whereby said blade's ability to produce thrust is optimized.

Abstract: The propeller drive is installed with its drive shaft inside a boat hull and it's driven (propeller) shaft outside. The shafts are interconnected by a silent chain. The drive shaft position is adjustable to adjust the distance between it and the driven shaft, thus adjusting tension in the chain. The drive shaft is carried in two bearings which are installed eccentrically in two bearing carriers. The bearing carriers are rotatably mounted in a casing and are structurally interconnected by a connector. The adjustments are made by rotational adjustment of the connector relative to the casing.

Abstract: An airdrop type buoy apparatus, which is dropped by a flight vehicle, such as aircraft, that is flying in the air, to a water surface of sea or lake to be floated as a marker, a hydrographic conditions measuring device or the like, for flexibly coping with a shock at the time of landing on the water to absorb the landing shock on a balloon and also suppressing the rise of an inner pressure of the balloon so that the balloon is hardly to burst.

Abstract: The present invention includes an air valve having a housing sealed to an inflatable device. The housing includes an opening that matingly receives a check valve with an inner surface defining a passageway. A cap is in turn matingly received in the passageway of the check valve. The housing, check valve, and cap are all attached to and interconnected by a tether. During the inflation process, the check valve is positioned in the opening in the housing and a source of pressurized air is delivered to the check valve until the desired degree of inflation is achieved, at which time the cap is inserted in the passageway of the check valve. To deflate the device, the end of the tether is pulled up which acts to sequentially pull the cap free from the passageway of the check valve and pull the check valve free from the opening in the housing.

Abstract: A swim fin comprises a foot portio and a web portion. The foot portion has a shoe for receiving the foot of a wearer and has a plurality of openings in a toe end of the foot portion. The web portion extends from the foot portion and has a first end, a second end, a plurality of support members having web material associated therewith, and a plurality of bosses positioned adjacent the first end connected with the plurality of openings. In an embodiment of the swim fin, a toe end of the foot portion is curved relative to an imaginary plane extending along a lower surface of the foot portion and has the plurality of openings along a surface of the toe end.

Abstract: A discharge lamp manufacturing method that provides control of the introduction of a predetermined amount of halogen, unaccompanied by carbon or hydrogen, into a discharge vessel of the lamp so that a discharge lamp having an adequate operating pressure and that can maintain enhanced lighting conditions over a long period can be achieved. In particular, a halogen-introduction carrier is used in the manufacture of the discharge lamp for introducing a predetermined amount of metal halide. The discharge lamp manufacturing method includes a device for introducing halogen into the discharge vessel and includes heating a halogen-introduction carrier composed of a porous body containing metal halides.

Abstract: A touch screen display, includes an electroluminescent display; a touch screen, and a transparent sheet that functions as an element of both the electroluminescent display and the touch screen.

Abstract: A remote controlled apparatus (4), e.g., a remote controlled toy, for remote control from a remote control unit, e.g., a pocket torch (2). The apparatus is characterized in that it is adapted to respond to a sequence of light pulses which have a frequency of repetition that is lower than the maximum frequency which a human being can produce manually, e.g., by alternately turning the torch on and off. In a special embodiment, after a received sequence of light pulses, the apparatus is adapted to emit an acoustic acceptance signal by means of a sound generator (15).

Abstract: A valve and retainer assembly particularly useful for latex balloons is provided consisting of a valve body and a disk valve. The valve body has a retainer portion where the neck and mouth of a latex balloon may be received to affix the balloon to the valve body. A hollow stem communicates with the retainer portion, and a one-way valve allows gas to be introduced through the stem portion into the balloon affixed to the retainer portion. Once the balloon is filled the pressure of the gas within the balloon seals the valve closed to prevent gas from exiting the balloon.

Abstract: A hula hoop may include a hoop, a plurality of roller members being installed on a predetermined portion in an overall circumference of the hoop, and a weight member being installed on an opposite side to the center of the roller members to provide a centrifugal force and enable rollers comprised in the roller members to be closely contacted with and rolled on a user's body due to the centrifugal force.

Abstract: A floating toy is provided which can achieve varied and entertaining movements by means of a simple composition. The floating toy comprises: a liquid container section (11, 12) containing liquid therein; a figure (2) of lower specific gravity than the liquid, accommodated inside the liquid container section; magnetic bodies (31, 32) accommodated movably inside the liquid container section; line members (41, 42) extended between the figure and the magnetic bodies; and electromagnetic mechanisms (51, 52) that act on the magnetic bodies. The magnetic bodies and the figure are caused to move against the buoyancy force of the figure, by passing current through the electromagnetic mechanisms, and are caused to return to their original positions by the buoyancy force of the figure, by releasing the passage of current through the electromagnetic mechanisms.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave proof cup structure for bra includes a first layer, a second layer and an intermediate layer joined to the first and the second layers. The intermediate layer contains metallic fiber so as to screen the electromagnetic wave and the contact area between the breast and the bra cup can be reduced effectively to decrease the hurt resulting from electromagnetic wave. The intermediate layer includes a first sheet piece and a second sheet piece and the two sheet pieces are attached to two lateral sides of the bra cup respectively in a way of extending upward so that the breast can be held upward and centrally disposed in the bra cup.

Abstract: A reuseable fastener for attaching a garment or other item to a user is disclosed. The fastener including a pad having an adhesive on one side and a first fastener member attached to an opposing side thereof, the adhesive being adherable to a user's body for attaching the pad thereto. A garment having at least one second fastener member attached thereto, the second fastener member being releasably coupleable to the first fastener member such that the garment can be worn by a user by adhering the pad to the user's body via the adhesive, and, after donning the garment, coupling the first and second fastener members one to the other for securing the garment to the body. The garment being removable by decoupling the first and second fastener members and removing the garment from the body. The first fastener member being resusable while the pad is adhered to the user.

Abstract: A fluid jet cutting machine comprising a selectively contactless or tactile sensor system for determining a spacing between the cutting device (outlet of the jet pipe) and the work piece. This device automatically trails the drive of the cutting head to maintain a defined constant spacing. An inductive sensor is used for metallic work pieces. The inductive proximity sensor is concentrically arranged around the jet pipe and determines, in a contactless manner, the spacing from the work piece, and transmits corresponding electrical signals to the drive of the cutting head for controlling the spacing. The inductive sensor is designed so that a ring chamber is concentrically arranged extending along the jet pipe leading to the outlet of the jet. It is possible to provide a pressurized flushing medium through this ring chamber via feed lines. This flushing medium flushes away the material removed by abrasion and the rebound particles in the course of the drilling and cutting process.

Abstract: A tool for polishing an optical surface of a lens includes a rigid support including a support surface, a first layer called the buffer made from an elastic material and covering at least part of the support surface, and a second layer called the polisher and covering at least part of the buffer. The buffer has a first surface adhering to the support surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The polisher has a first surface adhering to the second surface of the buffer and a second surface called the polishing surface opposite the first surface and adapted to polish the optical surface of the lens by rubbing against it. The polishing surface is a toric surface and, to be able to polish an atoric optical surface, the buffer is adapted to be compressed elastically and the polisher is adapted to be deformed to espouse the atoric surface. Applications include polishing atoric optical surfaces.

Abstract: An end face polishing machine has a jig plate for supporting at least one workpiece. A polishing plate is mounted to undergo rotation and revolving movement. A polishing sheet is disposed over the polishing plate for rotation and revolving movement therewith. An elastic member having a hardness that varies with temperature is disposed between the polishing sheet and the polishing plate. A pressing unit presses the end face of the workpiece against a surface of the polishing sheet during rotation and revolving movement of the polishing plate to thereby polish the end face of the workpiece during a polishing operation. A temperature control unit controls the temperature of the elastic member during the polishing operation to thereby polish the end face of the workpiece into a spherical surface during the polishing operation.