Abstract: A new swim flipper with a unique blade design is provided. The new swim flipper has a unique joint system portion positioned on the blade of the swim flipper. The new swim flipper will have a joint system portion that has a new combination of materials such as a solid core and a rubber covering that may flex about the joint. The swim flipper eases the pressure on bio-mechanical movement of the ankle, increases the amount of thrust produced by kicking movement of the user. The swim flipper allows the user to expend less energy in attempting to provide adequate thrust to propel the individual through water by using the joint system to adequately produce enough flexibility to propel the individual without excessive force being used.

Abstract: A sports board comprises a foam core, a top layer bonded to a top surface of the foam core and a bottom layer bonded to a bottom surface of the foam core. The top layer comprises a top foam layer and a top film. The top foam layer is provided for bonding to the top surface of the foam core and has patterns imprinted thereon. Additionally, the top film is bonded to the top foam layer so as to cover the patterns, which are visible through the top film. Furthermore, the bottom layer comprises a bottom foam layer and a bottom plate. The bottom foam layer is provided for bonding to the bottom surface of the foam core, and the bottom plate is bonded to the bottom foam layer.

Abstract: A PDP with superior light-emitting characteristics and color reproduction is achieved by setting the chromaticity coordinate y (the CIE color specification) of light to 0.08 or less, more preferably to 0.07 or less, or 0.06 or less, enabling the color temperature of light to be set to 7,000K or more, and further to 8,000K or more, 9,000K or more, or 10,000K or more. The PDP is manufactured by a method in which the processes for heating the fluorescent substances such as the fluorescent substance baking, sealing material temporary baking, bonding, and exhausting processes are performed in the dry gas atmosphere, or in an atmosphere in which a dry gas is circulated at a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method of making a metallic shell for a spark plug. The metallic shell includes a multi-stepped through hole, an intermediate tubular portion, a tip end side tubular portion and a base end side tubular portion. The through hole includes a large diameter hole section, an intermediate diameter hole section and a small diameter hole section. The method includes the steps of cutting a metal pipe that is used as a starting material to a predetermined length and thereby preparing a pipe-shaped blank, and subjecting the blank to a deformation process and thereby forming the blank into the metallic shell. A spark plug and a method of making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bubble machine has a housing, a bubble generator positioned adjacent the front opening of the housing, a fan positioned inside the housing, and a motor positioned inside the housing and operatively coupled to the fan and the bubble generator. Actuation of the motor causes the fan and the bubble generator to be simultaneously actuated.

Abstract: A bubble generating assembly has a housing, a container coupled to the housing and retaining bubble solution, a trigger mechanism, a bubble generating device, a tubing that couples the interior of the container with the bubble generating device, a stationary wiping bar that is fixed to the housing, and a link assembly housed inside the housing. The link assembly couples the trigger mechanism and the bubble generating device in a manner in which actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the bubble generating device to move past the wiping bar and to contact the wiping bar, so as to create a film of bubble solution across the bubble generating device.

Abstract: An apparatus having a support arm, a base coupled to the support arm to maintain the support arm in upright orientation and moveable between a first orientation in which the base is coupleable to a vertical surface, and a second orientation in which the base can rest on a horizontal surface. A light source is coupled to the support arm and a mobile coupled to said support arm, whereby when the base is in the first orientation, the apparatus can be coupled to a crib rail to function as a crib mobile, and when the base is in the second orientation, the apparatus can rest on a horizontal surface to function as a lamp.

Abstract: The rigid helium balloon has a helium compartment and a separate, channel portion. Helium gas is filled into the helium compartment through a valve in the balloon. Fiberglass rod members are inserted into the channel portion to help retain the desired shape of the balloon. The rod members also provide a counterbalancing weight which prevents the balloon from floating upward. Thus, the balloon, once released into the air, will retain its shape and remain floating at the height from which it was released unless repositioned. No additional weights or tethering devices are required to prevent the balloon from floating upwards.

Abstract: A toy vehicle comprises a lift mechanism which allows the toy vehicle to be lifted from a support surface in a lifting motion and roll end over end over end. The lift mechanism includes a lift arm pivotally mounted to a housing of the toy vehicle. A lift arm actuating motor is coupled to a lift arm drive screw that is in threaded engagement with a lift arm drive nut. A strut is coupled between the drive nut and the lift arm. In operation, the lift arm actuating motor drives the lift arm drive screw and causes the lift arm drive nut to drive the strut and move the lift arm into an extended position, causing the lift arm to engage a support surface to lift the toy vehicle. In the extended position, the toy vehicle is sufficiently rounded to permit the vehicle to roll end over end over end.

Abstract: A jar opening apparatus for opening a jar having a screw-on lid which comprises a base having a jar supporting surface, a generally vertically extending guide column connected to the base and a carriage assembly connected to the guide for movement relative to the guide between a first raised position and a second lowered position. The carriage assembly comprises a carriage; a lid engaging member connected to the carriage for engaging the screw-on lid when the carriage is in the second position, and rotating means for imparting rotation to the lid engaging member. The rotating means uniquely comprises a drive screw connected to the carriage and a cooperating driven tube connected to the lid engaging member. A novel operating mechanism is operably associated with the carriage for moving the carriage between the first and second positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating a grinding machine for sharpening bar blades by grinding at least two flanks and a top surface (K) of the bar blades, involving the following steps: producing a calibrating blade by sharpening a bar blade according to predetermined dimensions; measuring the dimensions of the calibrating blade, and; calibrating the machine with the aid of at least the measurement result. In order to produce a calibrating blade, the bar blade is, in at least two steps, ground on the flanks and on the top surface (K) in a complete calibrating grinding. The inventive method is advantageous in that the calibrating blade is ground under the same conditions as a production blade so that process-related influences, in particular, displacements associated with the grinding forces, can also be taken into consideration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning and monitoring a planarizing medium used for planarizing a microelectronic substrate. In one embodiment, the apparatus can include a conditioning body having a conditioning surface that engages a planarizing surface of the planarizing medium and is movable relative to the planarizing medium. A force sensor is coupled to the conditioning body to detect a frictional force imparted to the conditioning body by the planarizing medium when the conditioning body and the planarizing medium are moved relative to each other. The apparatus can further include a feedback device that controls the motion, position, or force between the conditioning body and the planarizing medium to control the conditioning of the planarizing medium.

Abstract: A polishing method includes supplying a slurry onto a pad disposed above a turntable while rotating the turntable, and polishing a workpiece disposed on the pad by pressing the workpiece to the pad, and detecting an ion concentration of a specific ion included in the slurry on the pad by using an ion test paper during the polishing.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus (10) for polishing a device (12) with a polishing pad (48) includes a pad holder (50) and an actuator assembly (432). The pad holder (50) retains the polishing pad (48). The actuator assembly (432) includes a plurality of spaced apart actuators (438F) (438S) (438T) that are coupled to the pad holder (50). The actuators (438F) (438S) (438T) cooperate to direct forces on the pad holder (50) to alter the pressure of the polishing pad (48) on the device (12). At least one of the actuators (438F) (438S) (438T) includes a first actuator subassembly (440) and a second actuator subassembly (442) that interacts with the first actuator subassembly (440) to direct a force on the pad holder (50). The second actuator subassembly (442) is coupled to the pad holder (50) and the second actuator subassembly (442) rotates with the pad holder (50) relative to the first actuator subassembly (440).

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding a surface of a nonstraight elongated workpiece has a frame, drives on the frame for rotating the workpiece about a longitudinal workpiece axis, and a guide defining a pivot axis offset from the workpiece axis on the frame. A hanging arm has an inner end juxtaposable with the workpiece and an outer end pivoted at the pivot axis on the guide. A rotary grinding tool is provided on the arm inner end.

Abstract: Teeth of a workpiece of a workpiece are finish-machined by first gauging shapes of the workpiece teeth and generating actual-value signals corresponding thereto. These actual-value signals are compared to set points representing desired tooth shapes, and the teeth of the workpiece are meshed with abrasive teeth of a honing tool and the tool and workpiece are relatively rotated while orienting them so as to remove material from workpiece teeth whose actual-value signals vary from the respective set points. The steps of gauging, comparing, and removing material are then repeated until the actual-value signals are substantially equal to the set points.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for diminishing contamination of an integrated circuit wafer caused by residual slurry components disposed on a back side of a carrier for engaging an integrated circuit wafer. Also disclosed is a CMP machine configured to wash a back side of a carrier.

Abstract: A system and a method of forming copper interconnect structures in a surface of a wafer is provided. The method includes a step of performing a planar electroplating process in an electrochemical mechanical deposition station for filling copper material into a plurality of cavities formed in the surface of the wafer. The electroplating continues until a planar layer of copper with a predetermined thickness is formed on the surface of the wafer. In a following chemical mechanical polishing step the planar layer is removed until the copper remains in the cavities, insulated from one another by exposed regions of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A drill sharpener is provided which has a point-splitting port which simplifies the procedure for producing a split point on a drill bit undergoing sharpening. The point-splitting port is positioned relative to a grinding wheel assembly such that, when the drill held by a chuck is advanced toward the grinding wheel, a flute of the drill at the drill tip is brought into contact with the grinding wheel. The port has alignment stops therein which mate with flats provided on the barrel of the chuck to ensure proper alignment of the chuck and drill relative to the grinding wheel. The stops also limit the extent of inward travel of the chuck and drill to a predetermined distance. A debris or grit collection tube is also provided to be inserted into an unused port of the drill sharpener, to contain and confine any debris or grit attempting to exit the sharpener through the unused port.

Abstract: A tool for polishing knife's edges, the tool (1) comprising two oppositely positioned and co-rotating rings of elongate honing studs (10), extended at intersecting directions forming an angle (?) wherein the knife's edge is inserted to be straightened by the rotating polishing tool.

Abstract: A knife sharpener has a housing, a base, a sharpening device and an adjustable device. The housing has a case, a cavity and a slot. The cavity is defined in the case and the slot is defined in the case and communicates with the cavity. The base is mounted on the housing and has a base board and two side walls formed on the base board. The sharpening device is movable mounted on the base and is received inside the housing. The sharpening device has two sharpening arms with sharpening rods. The adjustable device is mounted on the sharpening device mounted between the two sharpening arms. When the knife sharpener is used, the adjustable device is rotated to change the cross-position of the sharpening device. Therefore, a knife may be sharpened at a different site on the sharpening rods for prolonging the life span of the knife sharpener.

Abstract: A flapped grinding disk having a disk- or plate-shaped support including an outer periphery, and a plurality of spaced-apart, discrete groups of grinding flaps forming a plurality of apertures, wherein the flaps overlap each other on the support in the manner of shingles, are secured in an adhesive bed, and define an outer circumference, wherein the radial dimension of the aperture from the outer periphery of the support to the outer circumference is substantially commensurate with the radial dimension of the groups of grinding flaps from the outer periphery of the support to the outer circumference.

Abstract: A skinning machine having a skinning blade mounted between a clamp and a shoe. The shoe has a bore that extends therethrough and a cam arm mounted to a bottom surface. The clamp has a recess with an aperture disposed therethrough. A pin extends through the aperture of the clamp and the bore of the shoe and is retained by the clamp arm.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus for automatically directing coins from a coin escalator includes a coin dispensing unit such as a non-metallic roller that is rotatable about a bearing shaft which can be aligned to minimize forces that can shorten the life of a coin dispensing assembly. A guide unit can operatively move the coin dispensing unit at an acute angle to a centerline of a guiding passageway coin exit. A resilient unit can operatively bias the coin dispensing unit to an initial position for contacting coins attempting to exit a coin exit while permitting movement along a guide length with a major biasing force exerted toward the exiting coin to reduce wear on the guide unit.

Abstract: The inventive method consists in marking sold articles with codes and storing them in a server database. Questions and answers are formed and transmitted to user devices. A random code is produced and compared with a user code. The number (N) of questions is determined according to an expression N=S?M+k, wherein S is the total number of symbols in the sequence of the random code, M is a number of coincided symbols in the sequence of random and user code, k is a whole number. The operations of transmitting questions from the server and receiving correct answers from the user device are repeated, the number of transmitted questions and received correct answers being limited according to said mathematical expression. The played user codes are stored in the server database in order to prevent the participation thereof in following draws.

Abstract: A multi-stage method qualifies a player for a bonus game. If two stages are used, the first has the player aligning a combination including at least one trigger symbol. The second stage uses the trigger symbols, reel symbols, other secondary mathematically related elements, or elements associated therewith, to qualify the player for the bonus game. The player interacts during the qualification process by providing input to the second stage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device that has an award modification function for player selectable awards that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that randomly generates a plurality of positions or digits of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's ultimate award. The present invention further provides a plurality of modification methods for modifying the digits of the award.

Abstract: To reduce monitoring staff and reduce cost by automating monitoring, a card game monitoring system includes a wirelessly communicating, identifying information recording device embedded in a card for recording information for identifying itself; identifying information reading devices provided at a card takeout slot of a card distributor in contact with the card at the start of a game and in card distribution areas of a card game table in contact with the card in the middle of the game, for reading by wireless communication the identifying information; a control device for monitoring consistency between the identifying information read with the identifying information reading device at the start of the game and the identifying information read likewise in the middle of the game by comparing both pieces of the identifying information; a notifying lamp for issuing a notice of information inconsistency, if any; a recording device for recording identifying information and results of monitoring; and an invalidatin

Abstract: A parimutuel betting game based on events unfolding during a live sporting event, a principal objective being to acquire the largest number of betting tokens by the end of the sporting event. An administrator conducts a plurality of betting events based on events occurring during the sporting event. One or more betting lines are opened in each betting event. Players are allowed to bet tokens on an open betting line until it is closed by the administrator. Once a line is closed, a new line opens within the betting event. When a termination event occurs in the sporting event for a given betting event, the betting event is terminated and all lines are paid off in parimutuel style. Payoffs are preferably made in hierarchical manner, such that players placing riskier bets in a betting line receive a higher parimutuel style payoff. The game may be played over the Internet.

Abstract: A damper mechanism or a damper disk assembly realizing a low rigidity using a pair of elastic members is provided to achieve a further low rigidity in a region with small torques. The damper mechanism has a drive member 52, a driven member 53, a pair of first torsion springs 58A and 58B, and a second torsion spring 59. The springs 58A and 58B are functionally provided in series with each other in a rotational direction. The spring 59 is functionally provided in parallel with the springs 58A and 58B in such a way that the spring 59 is compressed in the rotational direction after the springs 58A and 58B are compressed to a certain angle when the drive member 52 and the driven member 53 rotate relative to each other.

Abstract: A hub member and shaft joint assembly includes an inner joint part of a constant velocity joint and a shaft journal. The hub member has a central through-aperture with inner toothing for receiving the shaft journal, and outer ball tracks. The inner toothing is formed in a predetermined limited length as far as a toothing run-out and is followed by a bore with a reduced diameter. The shaft journal has shaft toothing and, at a distance from the shaft end, a first conical step serving as a top face relative to the toothing run-out and directly contacting same. A larger second conical step is positioned axially spaced from the first step and forms a toothing end of the shaft toothing.

Abstract: A gimbaled wheel amusement ride is disclosed.

Abstract: A support frame for a suspension device includes a plurality of leg members attached at their upper portion to a mounting plate. The mounting plate has pivot members and circumferential openings for connecting the leg members. There are also height adjustment members as well as a number of optional features to facilitate use of the suspension framework.

Abstract: A tool has an adjustable lie angle, face angle, weight, and shaft length and is used by a golfer to adjust a putter to the optimal lie angle, face angle, weight and shaft length for that golfer. The tool head has a face plate and a sole disposed normal to one another. An angle member has a vertical wall disposed parallel to the face plate and a horizontal wall that overlies the sole. A hosel is pivotally mounted to the vertical wall and a first protractor is fixedly secured to the vertical wall. A marker on the hosel indicates the lie angle on the first protractor. A second protractor secured to the sole indicates a face angle when the shaft of the club is rotated about its axis. Weights are selectively added to the toe, heel, or mid-point of the putter head to determine an optimal weight and weight distribution.

Abstract: An extendable golf club having threadably intercoupled upper and lower shaft sections. The golf club can be extended by threadably coupling one or more spacers between the upper and lower shaft sections and tightening a set screw into engagement with a spacer.

Abstract: A golf swing plane training method and apparatus consisting a pair of elastic cords suspended above the ground faithfully defining a cross section of the swing plane. The elastic cords are parallel to each other and approximately parallel to the ground. The plane formed by the two elastic cords is substantially perpendicular to the proper swing plane at a height ranging from the level of the knees to the level of the waist of a golfer at address. The height of the elastic cords is slidably adjustable to accommodate the full range of golf clubs and golfers of varying sizes and heights. The distance between the elastic cords can be altered to accommodate golfers of different skill levels. As the skill level of the golfer improves, the elastic cords can be located closer together. A method for using the apparatus is submitted to provide the golfer with checkpoints that indicate a proper swing plane. In addition, if the golf club is swung incorrectly, the trainer restricts completion of that swing.

Abstract: A directional practice device includes a directional frame and a rail base. The directional frame provides a part being defined to move rectilinearly and an engaging member for locating a sport apparatus. The rail base provides two parallel rail parts and each of the rail parts has a component to define a movement of the directional frame.

Abstract: A novelty golf club, such as a putter, having a head and a shaft. The upper end of the shaft has a hollow, tubular grip section below which is a transparent tubular viewing section. Graphics are displayed on the viewing section. The upper section of the shaft is filled with a fluid. A sleeve is reciprocal within the fluid and has a specific gravity less than the fluid so that when the club is inverted the sleeve is located behind the graphics to obscure viewing of the graphics. When the club is inverted to a playing position, the sleeve, due to its buoyancy, will “float” to a position within the grip to allow viewing of the graphics.

Abstract: It is object of the present invention to provide a golf club shaft superior in accuracy, minimizing a displacement between thermosetting resin layers, capable of obtaining a feeling close to the feeling of a steel shaft, and superior in stability.

Abstract: A golf club head composed of a damascene patterned metal, such as a Damascus steel, is disclosed. The golf club head may be a putter head or an iron-type club head with a majority of the club head body formed of the damascene patterned metal, or a wood-type club head or an iron-type club head with a damascene patterned metal face insert.

Abstract: A golf ball excellent in durability and feel is formed of a polymer compound containing a ternary composite formed of a rubber component, a polyolefin component and a nylon component. In particular, it is a golf ball formed of a core and a cover arranged to cover the core, the core being formed using a polymer compound containing a ternary composite formed of a rubber component, a polyolefin component and a nylon component, the polymer compound being formed of rubber, thermoplastic resin, thermoplastic elastomer, ionomer or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A device for teaching the basic kicks of soccer to students of the game. The device has a mat portion with a ball support thereon, to raise the ball to the elevated position it would be in when laying on grass. The mat includes an alignment arrow to direct the approach of the kicker, a circumscribed open area for the non-kicking foot to be prior to ball impact with a specifically notated ball, that rests on the support. The ball is color coded with sweet spots where impact is to take place for a specific kick. The ball also includes similarly color coded arrow lines, which serve to guide the placement of the ball onto the support to align the ball correctly relative to the kicker's shoe for the shot being taught. Teaching information is also found on the mat portion as a mental reinforcement to a lesson.

Abstract: A basketball training device and method for teaching the proper technique to shoot a basketball.

Abstract: A continuously-variable-ratio drive, having an input shaft; a flywheel integral with the input shaft; a drive pulley idle with respect to the input shaft and defined by two half-pulleys defining a groove of variable size for a V belt; and a centrifugal control assembly. The control assembly has a centrifugal actuating device which intervenes above a first threshold value of the angular speed of the input shaft to connect the drive pulley angularly to the flywheel by means of a friction clutch; and a speed adjusting device which is active over a second threshold value of the angular speed of the input shaft to adjust the size of the groove of the drive pulley and therefore the work diameter of the belt.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle transmission system has two epicyclic gearsets and a first and second electrically connected motor/generator. Components of the epicyclic gearsets and the motor/generators are connected such that, when the transmission system is in use, electrical power is transferred between the first and second motor/generators.

Abstract: An electrically variable transmission having two planetary gear sets, two motor/generators, and six torque transfer devices to provide input split, compound split, output split, neutral, electric reverse and mechanical reverse modes of operation. The electrically variable transmission includes: an input member to receive power from an engine; an output member; first and second motor/generators; and first and second differentially geared planetary gear sets each having first, second and third gear members. The input member is not continuously connected with any member of the planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously connected to the first member of the second planetary gear set. The first and second motor/generators are each continuously connected to at least one member of the planetary gear sets. The first member of the first planetary gear set is continuously connected with the third member of the second planetary gear set.

Abstract: Durability and power transmission efficiency are enhanced in a six-speed powertrain of an automatic transmission by a scheme that includes first to forth planetary gearsets. The first planetary gearset includes a first sun gear, first ring gear, and first carrier. The second planetary gearset includes a second sun gear, a second ring gear, and a second carrier. The third planetary gearset includes operational elements of a third sun gear, a third ring gear, and a third carrier. The fourth planetary gearset includes a fourth sun gear, a fourth ring gear, and a fourth carrier. The powertrain also includes an input shaft, an output gear, and a transmission case.

Abstract: A planetary-gear-type multiple-step transmission including a stationary member, an input rotary member, an output rotary member, and first and second transmission units. The first transmission unit has first and second intermediate transmitting paths through which a rotary motion of the input rotary member is transmittable to the second transmission unit such that a speed of the rotary motion transmitted through the second intermediate transmitting path is lower than a speed of the rotary motion transmitted through the first intermediate transmitting path. The second transmission unit constitutes first, second, third and fourth rotary modules, each of which is provided by at least one of sun gears, carriers and ring gears of two planetary gear sets. The first rotary module is selectively connected to the second intermediate transmitting path, while being selectively connected to the stationary member.

Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle that includes a planetary gear assembly, a clutch pack assembly, and a band and drum assembly that provide an overdrive or underdrive and direct drive in combination with a vehicle transmission. In one embodiment, an input shaft drives an outer ring gear of the planetary gear assembly and is coupled to one set of discs of the clutch assembly. A carrier of the planetary gear assembly is coupled to a rear output shaft, where the carrier supports a plurality of pinion gears. A sun gear of the planetary gear assembly is coupled to another set of discs of the clutch assembly that are coupled to the drum. When the clutch assembly is engaged, the ring gear is coupled to the sun gear for direct drive and when the band is engaged, the pinion gears and the ring gear provide underdrive.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The present invention includes a continuously variable transmission that may be employed in connection with any type of machine that is in need of a transmission. For example, the transmission may be used in (i) a motorized vehicle such as an automobile, motorcycle, or watercraft, (ii) a non-motorized vehicle such as a bicycle, tricycle, scooter, exercise equipment or (iii) industrial equipment, such as a drill press, power generating equipment, or textile mill.