Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the appearance of a flame to maximize the size of the flame for a given amount of fuel, increase a burn rate efficiency of the flame, or change the shape of the flame. The shape and size of the flame may be modified by applying a secondary source of fluid to the flame. The secondary source of fluid may cause turbulent fluid flow within the combustion chamber enclosure in which the flame is produced to change the appearance of the flame. The secondary source of fluid may be generated by a blower or fan and may include, for example, a source of fresh combustion air, additional flammable gas such as natural gas, or other fluid additives for enhancement of the flame color, shape, and size.

Abstract: A lighter has been integrated into portable electronic equipments such as cellular phones, PDAs, or portable game players. The lighter can be completely stowed within the portable electronic equipment so that no parts protrude out of the portable electronic equipment's housing. Thereby not only the size can be reduced but also damage and entanglement with other things the portable electronic equipment is kept together as well as injuries can be avoided. The lighter is operated by a switch which is implemented as button either on the side of the portable electronic equipment or as a GUI menu or button on the display unit. When pressing the switch button the cover on the outlet of the lighter is being removed while at the same time a cylinder is being extended and moving out of the outlet, and a flame ignited in the burner unit appears from inside of the cylinder. The lighter includes a fuel tank which can be either fixed or removable as for instance fuel gas cartridges.

Abstract: A temperature controllable vacuum chuck includes a mounting bracket, a porous plate, a heating element, and a temperature sensor. The porous plate is mounted to the mounting bracket and is configured for securing a substrate to the vacuum chuck when air is suctioned out of the vacuum chuck. The heating element is attached to the bottom of the porous plate and uniformly heats the porous plate, thereby heating any substrate mounted on the vacuum chuck and enabling control over the cure rate of fluid materials deposited on the substrate. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of the porous plate so that it can be adjusted when desired with a user controllable temperature control component.

Abstract: An archwire assembly comprises an archwire with a crimpable sleeve adapted to slidably move along the archwire so as to be positioned between two adjacent brackets of orthodontic braces. The archwire assembly further includes a stop applied to the archwire and adapted to limit the movement of the sleeve along the archwire. The stop may include removable stops where the sleeve is movable along the archwire between the stops. The removable stops may be movable along the archwire with the application of a sufficient force. The stop may also include a friction-creating substance applied to either the sleeve or the archwire such that it takes a sufficient force to move the sleeve along the archwire. The stop may also include a partially crimped sleeve applied to the archwire such that it takes a sufficient force to move the sleeve along the archwire.

Abstract: The present invention provides a virtual orthodontic treatment method, comprising, providing a virtual diagnostic setup model of teeth of at least one jaw of an individual, associating virtual orthodontic appliances with all teeth in the model to obtain a first composite model and repositioning teeth into an initial treatment state according to pre-defined appliances-dependent rules; in the initial treatment state, detaching one or more teeth from their corresponding one or more orthodontic appliances, repositioning one or more appliances, reassociating one or more appliances with the teeth, permitting the teeth to reposition according to the appliances-dependent rules to obtain an altered treatment state, yielding a better grade, according to one or more systems for grading an orthodontic model, as compared to the grade of initial treatment state.

Abstract: The all-in-one prophy angle for cleaning teeth contains a self dispensing solid core prophy polish which allows the operator to perform an entire prophylaxis of the teeth with the efficiency of not having to remove the handpiece from the mouth, further, cross contamination from splatter is minimal to none. The prophy cup and solid core polish are in a changeable cartridge form allowing the prophy handpiece to be reusable.

Abstract: The disclosed drive system and fixture mount self limit the torque that can be applied to an implant during implantation to a value that is nondamaging to the implant. System components include releasably engaging elements. In certain embodiments, elements deform, elastically or permanently, to limit the applied torque. The fixture mount serves as an impression post and abutment for a temporary prosthesis and is subject to chair side modifications by the surgeon. Methods of shaping the fixture mount for use as an abutment and making a dental restoration using the shaped abutment are disclosed.

Abstract: Occlusal contact between upper and lower virtual three-dimensional teeth of a patient when the upper and lower arches are in an occlused condition are determined and displayed to the user on a user interface of a general purpose computing device. Various techniques for determining occlusal contacts are described. The areas where occlusal contact occurs is displayed on the user interface in a readily perceptible manner, such as by showing the occlusal contacts in green. If the proposed set-up would result in a interpenetration of teeth in opposing arches, such locations of interpenetration are illustrated in a contrasting color or shading (e.g., red). The ability to calculate distances and display occlusal contacts in a proposed set-up assists the user in planning treatment for the patient. The process can be extended to interproximal contact detection as well. The concepts also apply to dental prosthetics, such as crowns, fillings and dentures.

Abstract: A plastic mouthpiece insert for allowing a wearer to whiten their teeth while getting a suntan, and have a generally oblong oval-rectangular opening with a curved rear end that abuts against the root surfaces of the frontal upper and lower teeth of the wearer. A raised front edge can protect the lips and separate in place about the opening to the mouthpiece. Whitening agents can be used to enhance the whitening effect so that ultraviolet light and heat source such as the sun or a sunlamp is all that it is needed. Reflective inner walls in the mouthpiece can magnify light to the teeth. The mouthpiece can include bite tables, and the side walls of the mouthpiece can be inwardly flared and funnel shaped for focusing and magnifying incoming light and heat. The mouthpiece can be colored to protect the inside of the wearer's mouth from receiving any light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for language education using a meaning unit and a relational question. The system for language education includes an information provider apparatus and a subscriber apparatus. The information provider apparatus stores sentences in a form of text data with each sentence divided into meaning units, stores relational questions in a form of text data to connect the meaning units to each other, and transmits the stored meaning unit text data and the stored relational question text data in learning order via a network. The subscriber apparatus receives and outputs the meaning unit text data and the relational question text data transmitted from the information provider apparatus, and transmits text data input by a subscriber to the information provider apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile teaching system is disclosed which allows the use of personal computing devices in a learning environment. A plurality of portable computers may communicate with a portable network center to undergo lesson plans, testing, and other educational tasks. The portable computers may be stored in a mobile storage unit that may also serve as a network communications center, and may also provide power connections for the computers. The computers may include removable, rechargeable batteries, which may be recharged at the storage unit.

Abstract: A motherboard (100) in accordance with a preferred embodiment includes an audio connection area (10) defining a first jack layout (12). The first jack layout integrates second and third jack layouts for two audio connectors of different specifications, so that jacks (121, 122) of the first jack layout can selectively connect with the audio connectors.

Abstract: A contact module with connectors adapted to engage with first and second electrical conductors such that when resiliently interfaced with the conductors there is a net zero moment of inertia exerted on the conductors. Each individual connector exerts a resilient spring force to engage with an electrical conductor. When such resilient forces, as in the prior art are aggregated, they can exert a considerable vectored moment of inertia on the electrical conductors to which they are connected. The connectors of the present invention are arranged so that each individual connector has an opposing connector somewhere in the module to offset each individual moment of inertia so that the net sum of all moments on the interfacing electrical conductor is zero.

Abstract: A module connector, to which a module (5) is electrically connected, comprises a base (10) loaded with a number of terminals (2) and defining a receiving room for receiving the module; and an outer shell (4) comprising sidewalls (43) and a top wall (41), and assembled to the base after the module accommodated in the receiving room of the base, the top wall defining a through hole (42) for one end of the module to protrude out therefrom, and the sidewalls provided with resilient arms (44) for elastically pressing the module towards the terminals.

Abstract: An electrical connector may include a connector housing and a terminal tray. The terminal tray may include a tray body having a latch extending therefrom. The connector housing may define a latch receiving window. The latch and latch receiving window may be disposed such that the latch engages the latch receiving window only when the terminal tray is received in the housing in a preferred orientation. The terminal tray may include an electrically conductive contact having a board receiving end adapted to receive a printed circuit board and to exert sufficient pressure on the printed circuit board to retain the printed circuit board between the contact and the tray body. The connector may also include a plurality of cables bundled by a band, such as double-sided tape, such that respective portions of the cables are restrained from movement relative to one another.

Abstract: An electric junction box for installation in an automobile includes a power distributor as an internal circuit component of the electric junction box. The power distributor has relays mounted on one side of printed circuit board and connected to the printed conductor, and has bus bars fixed on the other side of printed circuit board. The power distributor is divided into a power distributor for a battery side connection and power distributor for an alternator side connection. The power distributor for the battery side connection and the power distributor for the alternator side connection are placed facing each other oppositely, and have respective heat sinks facing outwardly. A branch circuit block is provided in the lower region of power distributors, which is formed from a lamination of bus bars and insulation plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving a very fine pitch interconnect between a flexible circuit member and another circuit member with extremely co-planar electrical contacts that have a large range of compliance. An electrical interconnect assembly that can be used as a die-level test probe, a wafer probe, and a printed circuit probe is also disclosed. The second circuit member can be a printed circuit board, another flexible circuit, a bare-die device, an integrated circuit device, an organic or inorganic substrate, a rigid circuit and virtually any other type of electrical component. A plurality of electrical contacts are arranged in a housing. The electrical contacts may be arranged randomly or in a one or two-dimensional array. The housing acts as a receptacle to individually locate and generally align the electrical contacts, while preventing adjacent contacts from touching. The first ends of the electrical contacts are electrically coupled to a flexible circuit member.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing (1), a plurality of terminals (2) retained in the insulative housing, a shell (3) and a pair of strengthened members (4). The insulative housing comprises a base portion (10) and a terminal supporting portion (12) extending forwardly from the base portion. Each terminal has a contact portion (20) extending along the terminal supporting portion. The shell is attached to the insulative housing and has a mating frame (31) surrounding the contact portions and the terminal supporting portion to define a mating cavity therebetween. Strengthened members are buried at opposite ends of the terminal supporting portion.

Abstract: An electrical interconnect structure that includes a spring portion that extends out of a plane. The electrical interconnect including curved regions to improve the lateral compliance of the interconnect. The curved region may be incorporated into a release region of the spring. The release region may include either or both an uplifted region and a planar region. The curves in the release region are arranged to improve the spring contact with a mating surface and also improve lateral compliance compared to prior art spring designs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical connectors, and, in particular, to power connectors and to improved contact structures and methods related thereto.

Abstract: An anisotropically conductive connector, not causing permanent deformation by contact of target electrodes to be connected with pressure and deformation by abrasion even if the target electrodes are projected, and achieving stable conductivity over a long time period even when pressed repeatedly, a production process thereof, and an inspection circuit board equipped with the connector. The connector includes (1) anisotropically conductive film, with plural conductive path-forming parts each extending in a thickness-wise direction of the film arranged insulated by insulating parts and including at least 2 elastic layers, which are each formed by an insulating elastic polymeric substance, and (2) conductive particles exhibiting magnetism in portions of the respective elastic layers, at which conductive path-forming parts are formed. The connector satisfies H1?30, and H1/H2?1.

Abstract: An electrical plug is disclosed with a slidable earth pin that can be manually positioned in a stored position in a plug body of the electrical plug when the electrical plug is not in use. The slidable earth pin is movable in the channel and retained by an interlocking mechanism between the earth pin and the channel on the plug body. The earth pin has a pair of protruding fingers that snap into a first set of grooves in the channel of the plug body in a first position, and that snap into a second set of grooves in the channel of the plug body in a second or stored position. When the earth pin is in its stored position, the physical dimension of the plug is significantly more compact than conventional three pin plugs.

Abstract: A reversible connector for coupling with a USB A-type standard connector, including a first set of four electrical contacts deployed on a first slidingly retractable block and a second set of four electrical contacts deployed on a second slidingly retractable block, the contacts configured such that in a first coupling orientation of the reversible connector with the standard connector, the second block retracts so that only the first set of electrical contacts is mechanically connected with the contacts of the standard connector and in a second coupling orientation of the reversible connector with the standard connector, the first block retracts so that only the second set of electrical contacts is mechanically connected with the contacts of the standard connector.

Abstract: A locking device has a blocking member, a first operating unit and a second operating unit. The blocking member is provided for blocking a printed circuit board under a locking position when the printed circuit board is installed into the printed circuit board connector, so as to retain the printed circuit board within the printed circuit board connector. Furthermore, the blocking member is removed from the locking position by operating either the first operating unit or the second operating unit. The first operating unit and the second operating unit are spaced from each other and mounted to different positions, so as to benefit from applying either the first operating unit or the second operating unit to remove the locking position when either the first operating unit or the second operating unit is obstructed by other devices.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of variable latch and a method of formation are disclosed. One or more embodiments of the claimed subject matter may comprise a latch with a plurality of contact points formed thereon, and method of fabrication. The plurality of contact points may allow adequate socketing of microelectronic packages of varying sizes in a socket assembly, without the need to modify the latch when the microelectronic package size varies.

Abstract: An LGA connector assembly (1) includes an insulative housing (10), a plurality of terminals (12) received in the housing, and a metal clip (40) mounted on the housing. The clip is disposed on the housing to press an LGA chip upon the terminals and has two opposite slant sides (42). A first pressing portion (421) is bent to the housing in a middle portion thereof, and a second pressing portion (422) with a cantilever configuration extending from one end of the first pressing portion. A clasping portion (423) is defined at a distal end of the second pressing portion. When an LGA chip is disposed on the housing, the first pressing portion and the clasping portion can press the LGA chip onto the terminals to prevent the LGA chip moving upwardly relative to the housing, thereby ensuring the reliably electrical connection between the LGA chip and the connector assembly.

Abstract: A memory card connector is provided for receiving a memory card having a plurality of conductive contacts. An insulative housing mounts a plurality of conductive terminals. A metal cover has a receptacle for receiving the memory card. A pivot mechanism is operatively associated between the cover and the housing to mount the cover for pivotal movement between an open position to allow the memory card to be received on the cover and a closed position bringing the contacts of the memory card into engagement with the terminals on the housing. The pivot mechanism includes a mounting portion at one end of the housing and a pivot projection at one end of the cover. A metal bracket is disposed about the mounting portion and includes a pivot socket for receiving the pivot projection.

Abstract: An LGA socket (10) includes a socket body (30) having a number of terminals (40), a stiffener (50) attached to the socket body, and a load plate (60) and a load lever (70) pivotally mounted to two ends of the stiffener, respectively. The load plate defines a pair of pivotal portions (602) mounted to the stiffener to enable the load plate to rotate between an open position and a closed position. Each pivotal portion includes a bearing tongue (603) and a stopper (604). The stopper resists against the stiffener for preventing the load plate from moving relative to the socket body in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A SIM card holder includes a base (10) and a catching mechanism (20). The base defines a receiving groove (114) and a slot (110). The receiving groove is configured for receiving the SIM card therein. The base comprises a protrusion (108). The protrusion and the slot are arranged at two opposite sides of the receiving groove. The catching mechanism comprises a main board (201) having a bending piece (202) and a bending hem (204) at two opposite ends thereof. The bending hem is engaged in the slot. The bending piece is engagable with the base so as to lock the SIM card in the receiving groove. The main board comprises an elastic slice resisting the protrusion when the bending piece is engaged with the base.

Abstract: A battery pack for a cordless power tool and a cordless power tool and battery pack combination includes the battery pack having a retention member that pivotally engages a retention member of the power tool and a latch system in which one of the battery pack and power tool has a ball and the other of the power tool and battery pack has a latch that engages the ball. Spring biased actuators may be used to open the latch to enable insertion or release of the ball from the latch.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an electrical and mechanical connection which includes a housing having a face, an electrical connector mounted to the housing and configured to engage with a second electrical connector, a receiver connected to the housing and encompassing at least part of the electrical connector and bolt housing mounted on a side of the housing opposite the face and aligned with the holes.

Abstract: A lock (35) is provided at the leading end of a resiliently deformable lock arm (33) on a female housing (20) and engages an engaging portion (14) on a male housing (10). An unlocking arm (40) is provided separate from the lock arm (33) and is resiliently inclinable like a seesaw. Projecting pieces (48) are formed on opposite surfaces of the lock (35) and unlocking pieces (49) on the unlocking arm (40) face the backsides of the projecting pieces (48). An operable portion (44) of the unlocking arm (40) is pressed to incline the unlocking arm (40) so that the unlocking pieces (49) lift the lock (35) of the lock arm (33), thereby canceling a locked state.

Abstract: A cable connector assembly (500) includes a number of connector bodies (100) each defining a mating port for mating with complementary connectors and a common housing (200) encapsulating the connector bodies therein with the mating ports exterior accessible. Each of the connector bodies includes a latch member (3) assembled on one side thereof. The connector bodies are arranged in an upper row and a lower row such that the mating ports of the upper row and lower row are in a substantially mirror-image disposition relative to a line between the upper and lower rows.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprising: a base having a front port and a rear end; a number of contacts received in the base and exposed to the front port; a number of cable wires each connected through the rear portion to a corresponding contact; a latching element being integrally formed with the base and extending rearwardly; and a block disposed rearwardly of the latching element on the rear end of the base. Additionally, the block can assist in conveniently connecting/disconnecting the connector to/from a mating connector.

Abstract: A protection structure of an IEEE1394 connector is disclosed. The protection structure for use in the IEEE1394 connector comprises a locking structure mounted on a first IEEE1394 connector. The locking structure is capable of hooking an opening formed on a second IEEE1394 connector that cooperates with the first IEEE1394 connector for enhancing the connection stability between the first and second connectors. In addition, a lock is mounted on the locking structure to provide the anti-theft IEEE1394 connector.

Abstract: A package with lock mechanism has: a package body to be slidably inserted into a cage and to be releasably locked by the cage; a slide member that is slidably attached to the package body, the slide member allowing the package body to be released from the locking by the cage when the slide member is slid to a predetermined position; and an operation lever that is rotatably attached to the package body. The operation lever allows the slide member to slide to the predetermined position while engaging to the slide member.

Abstract: A contact assembly (11) for providing electricity to an electroluminescent display (12) that is mounted on an outer face of a carrier plate (10). The contact assembly includes contact pads (16) on the outer face of the carrier plate and a first connector (13) that has an insulative body (21) and a pair of contact elements (28) with outer ends (32, 31) that each engages one of the conductive pads (16). The outer end of each contact element and the contact pads, are surrounded by an outer body portion to safeguard against a person touching the contact element outer end.

Abstract: A string light engine includes a plurality of LEDs, a plurality of IDC connectors, and an insulated flexible conductor. Each IDC connector is in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of LEDs and is operatively mechanically connected to at least one of the plurality of LEDs. The IDC connectors attach to the conductor.

Abstract: A high speed electrical connector is disclosed. The electrical connector includes a plug portion and a receptacle portion. The plug portion has a first plurality of signal contacts contained in a plug back housing. The receptacle portion is adapted to mate with plug portion and has a second plurality of signal contacts in a receptacle back housing. The plug back housing is adapted to contain the first plurality of signal contacts for both surface mount and thru-hole termination and the receptacle back housing is adapted to contain the second plurality of signal contacts for both surface mount and thru-hole termination.

Abstract: A grounding clamp provides a direct connection to ground between a power transmission or power distribution apparatus and a nearby ground plane. As a grounding clamp is being attached to the mating interface of a power transmission or power distribution apparatus, the angled gripping surfaces permit an operator to ground the spade from a distance of live-line tool's length from the frontplate of the power apparatus and apply the requisite pressure to the mating interface, providing an easier to attach grounding clamp and a more secure ground connection.

Abstract: The present invention determines and monitors the connection pattern of data ports which are connected by multiconductor cables. An adapter jacket having an external contact is placed over a standardized cable such as an RJ45 cable which connects the data ports. An adapter board having a plurality of socket contacts is placed adjacent a plurality of data ports. An output and input module are coupled to the socket contacts. A micro-processor which is coupled to the output and input module scans the socket contacts to determine the connection pattern of the data ports.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ejection mechanism (110). The ejection mechanism can include a movable ejection button (118) having at least one wing (124) and a cover (112) having at least one first projection (130) and at least one second projection (138). When the ejection button is in a first position, the first projection of the cover can engage the wing of the ejection button, and the second projection can engage a slot (140) of a housing (114). The second projection engaging the slot of the housing can cause a force (F) to be generated at an opposing end (131) of the cover. Also, when the ejection button is moved to a second position, the first projection of the cover can disengage the wing of the ejection button, and the generated force can cause the cover to move away from the housing.

Abstract: The invention concerns an interconnect device in particular for connection and/or line terminals arranged on-line, comprising first and second interconnect combs facing each other and comprising each a connecting bar, and teeth, extending substantially perpendicularly from the connecting bar, the device comprising elastic teeth and rigid teeth. The teeth of each of the first and second combs are alternately rigid and elastic. The elastic teeth and the rigid teeth of the first comb are located respectively opposite the rigid teeth and the elastic teeth of the second comb.

Abstract: An electrical connector may include a conductive body having a conductor receiving passageway therein to receive the conductor of a cable end. The conductive body may also have a fastener receiving passageway intersecting the conductor receiving passageway, and a fastener may be positioned in the fastener receiving passageway for securing the conductor. The connector may also include an insulating boot associated with the conductor receiving passageway. The insulating boot may include an insulating tube, and at least one rupturable seal closing the insulating tube and rupturing upon initial insertion of the cable end therethrough. The rupturable seal may also be compliant to accommodate different sized cable ends and form a seal with adjacent portions of the cable end. A pair of seals may be provided with an optional sealant material therebetween.

Abstract: An electrical connection system designed to connect electrical conductors to a junction box containing a receptacle. The system incorporates a junction box, a supply connector, a distribution connector, and a receptacle. The junction box includes a line bus, a ground bus, and a neutral bus. The supply connector adapts the incoming electrical wire having a line conductor, a ground conductor, and a neutral conductor for connection to the line bus, the ground bus, and the neutral bus. The electrical receptacle is formed with a line blade, a ground blade, and a neutral blade which, respectively, electrically connect to the line bus, the ground bus, and the neutral bus. Electrical energy may be supplied through the electrical conductors to the electrical receptacle. A distribution connector may be incorporated to supply electrical energy to downstream receptacles.

Abstract: Various forms of ceiling fans with easy install features are disclosed. The fans include an electrical quick connect device. The quick connect device includes a plug/receptacle configuration in a rotatably mounted engagement enabling the fan to easily connect to an electricity supply while providing the gravitational and rotational support required by the fan. The ceiling fan side component may include sections that are slidably adjustable for use with different size fan bells.

Abstract: A coaxial connector having a connector assembly and a securing assembly. The connector assembly has a first contact assembly and a second contact assembly and first and second receivers for wire. The securing assembly and connector assembly cooperate with each other and are movable relative to each other so as to be changeable between a pre-assembly state and an assembled state. The first receiver is changeable from a first state into a second state wherein the first receptacle has a reduced effective diameter as an incident of the securing assembly and connector assembly being changed from the pre-assembly state into the assembled state.

Abstract: A method of mounting an electrical connector on a coaxial cable may include: providing an electrical connector including: a central contact provided with at least one crimping portion; an insulating body including a bearing portion with a top face on which the crimping portion of the central contact bears, at least in part; and at least one empty space adjacent to the side wall of the bearing portion of the insulating body; and crimping the central contact onto the central conductor by using a crimping tool including a bearing surface bearing against the crimping portion of the central contact, the tool being movable into an end-of-stroke position in which the bearing surface of the tool extends at least in part into the empty space and beneath the crimping portion of the central contact.

Abstract: The subject invention is an electrical connector system for a pair of printed circuit boards which utilizes a vertical female connector which is to be connected to one printed circuit board and a separate right angled male connector which has a housing which includes a plurality of right angled first electrically positive terminals which are to be used to connect to a second printed circuit board. Both printed circuit boards are connected together in a right angle relationship with one printed circuit board being located edgewise to the other printed circuit board. A mass of separate positive circuit paths is obtained by the terminals from one printed circuit board to the other. The vertical female connector and the right angled male electrical connector are fixedly mounted on their respective printed circuit boards.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a plastic base on which one connection space is formed, terminals disposed in the plastic base, and a metal housing covering the plastic base and having one surface formed with an opening through which the connection space is exposed. The metal housing includes a main body and an upper cover. The main body is fixed to the plastic base and has a front surface, two side surfaces and an upper edge formed with one upward fixing piece having one elastic locking piece. The upper cover has downward connection flanges formed on two sides. An inner surface of each flange corresponding to the elastic locking piece is formed with an engaging slot. The upper cover covers the upper edge. The flanges are connected to and located outside the fixing piece, and engage with the elastic locking piece through the engaging slot.