Abstract: A coaxial switching jack with a pair of coaxial assemblies mounted within a housing having a pair of front openings. The coaxial assemblies each include a center conductor and a shell conductor. The center conductors are connected by a first spring and the shell conductors are connected by a second spring. Insertion of a coaxial cable connector within one of the front openings deflects the springs from the corresponding coaxial assembly and disconnects the center and shell conductors of the two assemblies. The jack may also be configured to provide an electrical connection between the center and shell conductors of the second coaxial assembly if a coaxial cable connector is inserted within the first coaxial assembly. The connection between the center and shell conductors of the second coaxial assembly may allow for selection of a desired electrical impedance.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of an anti-disengagement assembly for minimizing disengagement of an electrical extension cord from a power tool of the type that includes a housing and a motor therein, the assembly including an electrical plug module configured to engage a receptacle of the extension cord, with the plug module being operatively connected to the power tool motor and being mounted in the housing and being biased by at least one spring in a configuration permitting limited movement that reduces the influence of vibration produced by the power tool on the plug module.

Abstract: A high-speed transmission connecting sheet 10 includes a first elastomer connector 1E formed on a top sheet 1, a second elastomer connector 2E formed on a bottom sheet 2, third elastomer connectors 3E formed on high-speed transmission boards 31 through 33, and fourth elastomer connectors 4E formed on intermediate layer boards 41 and 42. These elastomer connectors provide three-dimensional connection between the multiple high-speed transmission paths 3C formed on the high-speed transmission boards 31 through 33. A plug housing 5 has the high-speed transmission connecting sheet 10 installed therewithin, with the first elastomer connector 1E disposed at one inner wall of opposing inner walls, and the second elastomer connector 2E disposed at the other inner wall of the opposing inner walls. Receptacle pins 1P are disposed on the first elastomer connector 1E, and plug pins 2P are disposed under the second elastomer connector 2E.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a base, terminals and a cover. The base is formed with terminal slots for receiving the terminals, and one connection portion having an open end into which a flexible circuit interface may be inserted. A pushing plate is formed above the connection portion. A first elastic arm is formed with a connection point extending to the connection portion. The terminals are electrically connected to the inserted interface. The metal cover has a handle and a pressing plate. Two sides of the cover are formed with projecting pivoting portions pivoting onto two sides of the connection portion. The pressing plate may extend into the connection portion to tightly press against the pushing plate and the interface when the cover is rotated downwards. The pressing plate is exposed out of the connection portion to make the pushing plate and the interface loose when the cover is lifted upwards.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided that protects the electrical connector and associated components from harsh mechanical, electrical and environmental requirements. A jack is received by a jack housing, and a plug is received by a plug housing. The jack is adapted to receive the plug. A first seal member is positioned between the plug housing and the jack housing to form a seal therebetween when the jack and the plug are connected. A coupling member is attached to the plug housing and is adapted to receive the jack housing. A spring member is positioned between the coupling member and the plug housing to compress the first seal member between the jack housing and the plug housing.

Abstract: A sheathed cable for underground mining, comprising a flexible sheath (2) containing armouring (3) and receiving the electric conductors (4), a cable connector (30) being mounted on one end of the sheathed cable and comprising a one-part hollow coupling sleeve (31) which engages over the sheath (2) and receives the end of the sheathed cable in tension-resistant manner in a compression joint and also comprises a plug insert (32) connected to the sleeve (31) by a snap-in connection and receiving contact elements preferably in the form of pins (36) and sockets (37) electrically connected to the conductors (4), wherein a cable feed-through opening (39) in the hollow coupling sleeve (31) is partly filled with sealing compound (38), wherein the coupling sleeve (31) has a continuation (34) which is deformable in order to make the compression joint and exclusively receives the sheathed cable (1), sheath (2), conductors (4) and armouring (3).

Abstract: A self-positioning and limiting apparatus includes a fixing part, a moving part, and a push-stop part located between the fixing part and the moving part so as to prevent the moving part from being moved excessively. An electrical connector having the self-positioning and limiting apparatus includes an insulating body and conducting pins. A central plugging slot is located on the insulating body along a lengthwise direction. A pair of locking devices are located at the two opposite ends of the insulating body and each of locking devices includes a self positioning and limiting apparatus. The self-positioning and limiting apparatus includes a fixing part, a moving part, and a push-stop part located between the fixing part and the moving part.

Abstract: A PGA IC socket, in which socket contacts are arranged at high density, and that performs positioning of an IC package without inhibiting the high density arrangement of the socket contacts. The PGA type IC socket contains a large number of socket contacts for contacting a large number of lead pins of an electrical device; a socket housing, in which a large number of cavities for housing the socket contacts are arranged in a matrix; and a drive portion for moving the lead pins. Each of the socket contacts has a pair of narrowly spaced resilient contact portions for contacting a lead pin. Cutouts, which are open toward the electrical device, are formed in walls of the cavities, such that cavities which are adjacent in the direction perpendicular to the lead pins are in communication with each other.

Abstract: A connector has a female receptacle and/or a male plug, or combination thereof. The female receptacle has a sleeve for holding prongs plugged into the receptacle and a mechanism for applying pressure against the sleeve such that actuation of the collar causes the socket to clamp to the prong. The male plug has a prong for insertion into a socket or other receptacle and a mechanism for applying pressure against the prong to clamp the prong within the socket or other receptacle.

Abstract: In order to latch a separable plug-type connection that is composed of an upper housing part and a lower housing part with an axially displaceable unlatching ring that encompasses the upper housing part, the invention proposes to provide the unlatching ring with actuating tabs that act upon latching elements arranged between the upper housing part, the lower housing part and the unlatching ring. When pressure is exerted upon the actuating tabs, the latching mechanism is released first and the interlocking mechanism is released when the connection is separated.

Abstract: An electrical connector including a jack and a plug is disclosed. The plug includes a spring biased push button slidably anchored in an opening on a top shell and including an indentation at either side, and a front trigger adjacent the indentation; two U-shaped positioning devices each comprising a front first protrusion at one end and an intermediate second protrusion; and a shield case comprising a grounding plate. The push button is pushed forward to engage with a front end of the opening in an inoperative state. The push button is adapted to push rearward to cause the trigger to push and press down the second protrusions until the first protrusions clear internal openings of the jack such that a subsequent pulling will disengage the plug with the jack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plug comprising a main housing, at least one conductor guide and a supplementary part. To improve the plug such that the conductor guide can be assembled as easily as possible and its correct position easily checked, with the conductor guide still being well secured, the conductor guide comprises a retaining profile with which a partial profile of the main housing and a supplementary profile of the supplementary part can be brought, at least in certain sections, into engagement so as to correspond with each other.

Abstract: A lamp and switch assembly with an insulation displacement connector as an insulating base with a pair of wire receiving groups standing walls straddle each of the groups. A pair of insulation displacement connector members has a fixed end secured to the base and a movable end including an insulation displacement slot transfers to the groove. One of the connectors has a switch contact extension which is contacted by a switch contact member electrically connected to one of the lamps. Electrical contact is made to an external insulated wire by flexing the insulation displacement connector to engage the slot with a wire. A pair of opposed ears on the movable end of the connector engages the walls on the base to hold the slot in engagement with the wire.

Abstract: A plug fastened to a cable and electrically connected to the conductors of the 4 twisted pairs of a cable for transmission of high frequency/telecommunication signals is disclosed to include a housing, which has a holding down block stamped to hold down the cable, a load bar, which is inserted into the housing with the cable and has wire slots for receiving the conductors of the cable respectively and wire grooves for guiding the conductors of the cable into the wire slots, and a cable organizer, which has front guide flanges respectively engaged into rear guide grooves of the load bar, and four wire grooves formed in four sides and separated from one another by a partition wall for dividing the four twisted pairs of the cable to prevent crosstalk noises.

Abstract: A connector having a contact including a dual-tabbed wire trap is disclosed. The wire trap includes a first wire retention tab and a second wire retention tab, wherein the wire retention tabs are biased toward one another at an angle to form a wire guide. The wire guide is configured to contact and receive a wire inserted into the wire trap. When the wire is inserted, the first and second wire retention tabs impart a clamping force to retain the wire in the wire trap and prevent its removal. According to one embodiment, the connector is a photoelectric connector for attaching a street lamp or other electrical device to a photoelectric cell.

Abstract: A plug-in unit assembly comprising a case (1) and a plug-in unit (2) arranged to be attached thereto, and locking means (4, 5) having a locked position and an unlocked position. The plug-in unit (2) comprises handle means (3) pivoted to turn around a pivoting axis (9). The handle means (3) have a normal position and an unlocking position for the locking means (4, 5), the turning of the handle means (3) to the unlocking position of the locking means resulting in the locking means (4, 5) moving into the unlocked position. The handle means (3) also have a detaching position for the plug-in unit, whereby turning the handle means (3) from the unlocking position of the locking means to the detaching position froth plug-in unit makes the plug-in unit (2) move a predetermined distance (D) outwards from the case (1).

Abstract: A looping plug for use with coaxial telecommunications jacks to loop the signal between a pair of adjacently mounted jacks. The loop plug includes a molded non-conductive housing which fits about a pair of identical die cast, conductive, inner housing halves. A pair of outer conductive barrels are mounted to and extend from the inner housing. The barrels are spaced apart to accommodate the spacing of the jack pair to be engaged. A continuous center conductor extends between and within the two conductor barrels and is electrically isolated from the barrels. The barrels and the center conductor may be of either gender as required to engage the jack pair. The non-conductive housing defines a gripping portion at a distal end. In various embodiments, symmetrical and non-symmetrical gripping portions are provided.

Abstract: A flexible flat cable with a positioning structure that is disposed on the part or on each side of the flexible flat cable close to a signal contact part, and a connector to be used in conjunction with the flexible flat cable has a corresponding positioning structure on a lid body of a movable lid; when the flexible flat cable forms electrical connection with the connector, the movable lid of the connector shall lead the flexible flat cable to be inserted straightly without slant to remove the shortcoming of bad connection between the flexible flat cable and the connector.

Abstract: A power cord storage module for an electrical device includes at least one fixed member forming a winding surface. A movable member moves relative to the fixed member between a retracted position and an extended position. The movable member includes a skirt. With the movable member in the extended position, the winding surface is accessible to allow the power cord to be manually wrapped upon or unwrapped from the winding surface. With the movable member in the retracted position and the power cord wrapped upon the winding surface, the skirt at least substantially covers the power cord.

Abstract: A power adapter having replaceable plugs includes a main body, a socket module, a conducting wire, a rotating casing and a household plug. The main body includes a wire containing groove, an automobile plug and a connecting base formed on both sides of the wire containing groove, and electric conducting terminals disposed at the connecting base. The socket module includes a fixing base connected to the connecting base and a socket contained inside the fixing base, and the socket is electrically connected to each electric conducting terminal. The conducting wire is electrically connected to an automobile plug and each electric conducting terminal, wound into a wire containing groove, and covered by a rotating casing. The rotating casing is rotated for winding the conducting wire, and a replaceable household plug is inserted into the socket, and the household plug is electrically connected to a circuit of the main body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical receptacle for a transceiver, which receives a bundle of copper wires, instead of optical fibers, for transmitting and/or receiving a plurality of parallel signals over short distances. The electrical receptacle includes an electro-magnetic interference (EMI) shield fully enclosed by the housing of the transceiver module and grounded thereto by spring fingers extending between the EMI shield and the housing. The receptacle according to the present invention enables the overall height of the transceiver module to be kept to a minimum.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a crosstalk canceling pattern for high-speed communications and a modular jack having the same, which includes a compensating capacitor on a transmission line to cancel crosstalk due to parasitic capacitance generated between neighboring insert pins, and includes a second compensating capacitor to correct phase mismatch due to parasitic inductance generated in insert pins and transmission lines, when a high-frequency signal is applied. The modular jack having the crosstalk canceling pattern for high-speed communications includes a housing, a printed circuit board, a lower contact block, and an upper contact block. The hosing includes a plug insert hole, an insert pin locking plate, and a coupling guide part. The printed circuit board is a multi-layered structure having a plurality of compensating capacitors. The lower contact block is mounted to the lower surface of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A multi-card connector assembly includes a multi-card connector and a circuit board, on which a plurality of traces and a connection interface are formed. The multi-card connector includes a common seat formed with a plurality of slots into which different electrical cards may be inserted, and a plurality of terminals disposed on the common seat. Each terminal has a pin extending out of a bottom surface of the common seat. Each trace has a first terminal and a second terminal, which are disposed on a plane of the circuit board. The first terminals of the traces are arranged in correspondence with the pins of the terminals of the multi-card connector such that the pins of the terminals are respectively soldered to the first terminals of the traces. The connection interface is electrically connected to the second terminals of the traces and may be flexibly connected to an external interface.

Abstract: A modular electric terminal connector, in particular for a monobody defibrillation probe. This terminal includes a stacking of elementary cylindrical parts, alternatively conducting and insulating, each of which includes a central cavity receiving the sheath of a cable comprising several connection wires. An axial pin, placed on a casing at the free extremity of stacking, is connected to a respective connection wire to form an axial contact of the terminal. Rods passing through homologous borings formed in each part ensure axial and angular alignment of the various parts of stacking. The unit is solidarized by injection of an adhesive under pressure. Suitable openings make it possible to connect by laser welding the conducting elementary parts to the wires located in the sheath to form the annular contacts of the terminal.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided that comprises a housing with a front wall that separates a mating end from a loading end. The housing has a module support shroud that extends from the front wall toward the loading end and that has a latch element provided thereon. The connector also includes a contact module having an array of contacts that are held in a dielectric carrier. The contact module includes a mating end, sides and a module end. The module end slides along the module support shroud as the contact is loaded into the housing, until the mating end is located proximate to the front wall when the contact module is fully loaded. A retention latch member is formed separate from, and held by, the contact module. The retention latch member extends beyond the module edge and engages the latch element on the module support shroud to retain securely the contact module in the housing.

Abstract: A terminal fitting (20) has close-contact portions (24) that frictionally engage inner walls (11a) of a press-in hole (11), biting projections (25) behind the close-contact portions (24) for biting in the inner walls (11a) of the press-in hole (11) and recesses (26) behind the biting projections (25). The close-contact portions (24) are held in sliding contact with the inner walls (11a) at an initial stage of the pressing operation. Thus, a resistance is smaller as compared to a case where projections are moved while biting in the inner walls (11a).

Abstract: A pass-through electrical connector assembly with a body having at least one through-hole formed therein. A pin is forced into the through-hole and held by the body. The pin has a shank with opposed ends, each with a blind hole to receive a wire and a solid center portion that seals the wires and the pin. The pin has a tip with a barb at one end and a head with a shoulder at the other end which captures the pin in the body after the pin is forced into the through-hole when the shoulder engages the body. The shank has a circumferential surface that is press-fit within the through-hole to form a seal between the pin and the body. The body can then be sealed to a mating flange of a fluid-holding tank.

Abstract: A connector circuit assembly for use in an implantable medical device, and a method of making the assembly that includes a core portion formed of a thermoplastic material using either an injection molding process or a machining process. This core portion is adapted to be fitted with at least one electrically-conductive circuit component such as a connector member, a set-screw block, or a conductive jumper member. In one embodiment of the invention, the core portion includes multiple receptacles or other spaces that are adapted to be loaded with the various circuit components. The core assembly is positioned into a second-shot mold assembly, and a second thermoplastic material is injected into the mold so that the second thermoplastic material extends over and adheres to the core portion and the circuit component.

Abstract: An interference prevention portion (20) is disposed rearward from a retainer (40) and projected from an outer surface of a housing (10). The interference prevention portion (20) is capable of preventing another member from interfering with the retainer (40) when the retainer (40) is at a temporary locking position. Therefore, the interference prevention portion (20) prevents the other member from pressing the retainer (40) into the main locking position. The interference prevention portion (20) is disposed rearward from the retainer (40) at the rear end of the housing (10). Therefore the interference prevention portion (20) does not interfere with an operation for fitting the housing (10) in a mating housing.

Abstract: An electrical connector for clamping securely onto a threaded shaft, comprising a transformer bar, a connector body and a clamping component. The transformer bar has a plurality of conductor bores therein, a distal end, a bar top. The connector body is at the distal end and has a boss at the bar top and first and second clamping sides. The clamping component is pivotally mounted by an attachment link to be selectively located adjacent one of the first and second clamping sides.

Abstract: An improved clamp that can be inserted into a wiring device independent of a wiring termination assembly thereby reducing the complexity and cost of the manufacture of the wiring device. The clamp has a pair of legs spaced apart forming an opening to allow the wiring termination assembly to be inserted therebetween. The wiring device includes support members to support the clamp legs so to permit the clamp to pivot about the support member independently of the wiring termination assembly.

Abstract: A terminal fitting (T) has a rectangular tube (10) with a bottom plate (12). A resilient contact (25) extends back into the tube (10) from an end of the bottom plate (12). A base portion (33) is formed at the front end of the bottom plate (12) and is made narrower than the bottom plate (12) by cutting away the left and right edges. A bulge (34) bulges out from a lateral edge of the base portion (33) and narrows an area of an opening between the base portion (33) and the right side plate (13R). Thus, external matter is less likely to intrude into the rectangular tube (10) through the opening even if the resilient contact (25) is narrow. Additionally, the base portion (33) is reinforced by the bulge (34). Thus, the base portion (33) is less likely to be deformed by external matter.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrical terminal element with a crimp section and a socket section which forms a receiving chamber for a plug and which has a substantially rectangular cross-section, wherein in each case a locking projection is provided in the region of an insertion opening for the plug on opposed first side walls of the socket section. The invention further concerns a terminal element housing with at least one receiving chamber for receiving an electrical terminal element of this kind.

Abstract: An electrical connector system having one or more electrical connector assemblies. The electrical connector assembly includes a blade and a spring clip. The spring clip is positioned around the blade and includes first and second portions. The first and second portions cooperate to exert a biasing force toward the blade. The first portion cooperates with the blade to define an insertion opening for receiving an electrical device.

Abstract: Joint terminals (20c) and a housing (10) are united by a press-in operation instead of being united by insert molding. Thus, there is no likelihood that an injection pressure will deform the joint terminals (20c). The joint terminal (20c) has a coupling (21) bent so that upper and lower supports (26, 27) are formed at the opposite sides of an intermediate portion (28). A high dimensional precision can be obtained even when an automatic mounting machine is used for pressing the joint terminals (20c) into the housing (10).

Abstract: A boat indicator enables a user to easily read engine speeds for boats which can switch between a low-speed trolling mode and a normal running mode at speeds higher than the trolling mode speed. The boat indicator includes an engine speed indicating section for indicating engine speed. The engine speed indicating section is adapted to switch between a normal mode display for indicating the engine speed over a relatively large range when the boat is in the normal mode and a trolling mode display for indicating engine speed over a relatively small, low-speed range when the boat is in the trolling mode. The normal mode display indicates engine speed detected with a first resolution over the large range. The trolling mode display indicates engine speed detected with a second resolution finer than the first resolution over the smaller range.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system is configured to be assembled, as one unitary structure, into a marine vessel. A transom attachment member is provided and is attachable to both an engine and a drive unit to form a single marine propulsion system structure which can be lowered into an opening formed in a transom of a marine vessel.

Abstract: A buoyant assembly has a central reel and end rings. The central reel has a central support section with end sections. The end sections of the central reel are coupled to the end reels. The central reel and end rings are fabricated from a buoyant elastomer. A line has an interior end coupled to the central support section. The line has an exterior end with a weight secured thereto. The line has an intermediate length there between coiled around the central support section. Handles are adapted to move between retracted and extended orientations. The handles are adapted to be moved to their extended orientations for winding line onto the central support section. The handles are adapted to be moved to their retracted orientations when floating in water with the line unwound to mark an underwater site of interest.

Abstract: A plasma display panel capable of realizing improvement in the characteristics thereof, such as lower discharge voltage, more stable discharge, higher luminance, higher efficiency, and longer life. During a step of sealing the periphery of substrates or before this sealing step, impurity gas other then inert gas is adsorbed by phosphor layers. The impurity gas is released into discharge gas and the impurity is added to the discharge gas in a controlled manner while the panel is lit. This method can realize improvement in characteristics, such as lower discharge voltage, higher luminance, higher efficiency, and longer life.

Abstract: An electron-emitting device contains a vertical emitter electrode patterned into multiple laterally separated sections situated between the electron-emissive elements, on one hand, and a substrate, on the other hand. The electron-emissive elements comprising carbon nanotubes are grown at a temperature range of 300° C. to 500° C. compatible with the thermal stress of the underlying substrate. The electron-emissive elements are grown on a granulized catalyst layer that provides a large surface area for growing the electron-emissive elements at such low temperature ranges. To ensure growth uniformity of the carbon nanotubes, the granularized substrate is soaked in a pre-growth plasma gas to enhance the surface diffusion properties of the granularized substrate for carbon diffusion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a field emission device having emitter shapes, comprise the steps of forming a first original plate having a major surface provided with emitter shapes, by cutting a surface portion of a base material, forming a first material layer on the major surface of the first original plate on which the emitter shapes are provided; separating the first material layer from the first original plate, thereby obtaining a second original plate having recesses onto which the emitter shapes on the first original plate are transferred, forming a second material layer on a major surface of the second original plate on which the recesses are provided; and separating the second material layer from the second original plate, thereby to obtain a substrate having projections portions onto which shapes of the recesses of the second original plate are transferred.

Abstract: An angel wings assembly including a pair of wings supported by a central housing. A lever assembly is provided to operate the wings relative to the central housing. Straps are used to connect the housing to a wearer's back.

Abstract: A purse that converts into a doll bed, having an upwardly facing basket; fabric mounted in the basket and which extends upwardly from the basket to form an upwardly facing container that may serve as either a purse or a doll bed; straps secured to the upper end of one of the fabric or the basket so that the combination purse and doll bed may be readily carried; the fabric of the purse extends upwardly sufficiently so that the fabric may form a purse or be folded outwardly to form a doll bed; and a fabric hood secured to the interior of the fabric which may lay concave when the fabric is formed into a purse or be lifted to serve as a toy sunshade for a doll when the fabric is formed into a doll bed.

Abstract: A combination toy building block and container for holding liquids and the like, wherein the functional configuration of the device permits both the carrying of a dispensable substance and the stacking of multiple containers, thereby enabling the imaginative play construction of buildings and objects such as, but not limited to, play forts, play houses, play cars and boats, statues, tables and chairs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means for holding the components of the device, a means for storing gas under pressure which is maintained separately from the interior of the device until actuating, a means for releasing pressurized gas from the storage device into the interior of the device, a means for actuating the device upon an external event, a means for retaining the pressurized gas in the interior of the device until a desired internal pressure level is achieved and a means for channeling the pressurized gas that is released upon actuation so that the energy supplied propels a pressurized fluid to explosively pass outside of the device through the conduit.

Abstract: A yo-yo is disclosed with a substantially frictionless freely rotatable ball bearing, positioned upon a spindle between two separate halves of rotatable yo-yo members, such ball bearing having a smooth, continuous, outer concave surface. The smooth concave surface constitutes a segment of a circle having a radius of about 0.225 inches, contacting the yo-yo string, and is shallow, continuous and uninterrupted by the presence of a prior art groove formed in the outer surface. This surface configuration tends to urge the string towards the center of the bearing to reduce string friction against inside walls of the yo-yo halves while the string is winding around the bearing, yet allows some lateral movement of the string, enabling efficient performance of string layering maneuvers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a children's car that moves forward with a simple and easy operation with particular care taken of the safety of the child riding the car. A steering block which can be steered with a steering wheel and a steering column is provided at the front of the car body. Drive wheels having a ratchet wheel are provided on opposed sides of the steering block. Auxiliary wheels are provided at the front and the rear of the steering block to stably support the car body. As a child sits on or in the car and turns the steering wheel in alternating directions, the right and left drive wheels rotate in a forward direction. A pawl linked to the steering block engages the ratchet wheels to prevent inverse rotation of the drive wheels, causing the car to proceed ahead in a zig-zag pattern.

Abstract: The invention provides an areola pad for use during breast feeding. The invention is used to treat sore and painful nipples caused by breast feeding and to enable uninterrupted nursing. The invention includes a flexible element composed of one or more bio-compatible polymers, where the element is breathable, and allows contact between the mother and the infant. The flexible element further includes a centrally-located opening for receiving a nipple of any size, where the nipple extends through the opening and is uncovered.

Abstract: Systems and methods for characterizing polishing of a specimen are provided. One method includes scanning a specimen with an eddy current device during polishing to generate output signals at measurement spots across the specimen. The method also includes combining a portion of the output signals generated at the measurement spots located within a zone on the specimen. In addition, the method includes determining a characteristic of polishing within the zone from the combined portion of the output signals. In some instances, a zone may include a predetermined range of radial and azimuthal positions on the specimen. In one embodiment, the method may include determining a characteristic of polishing within more than one zone on the specimen. Some embodiments may include determining an additional characteristic of polishing from the characteristic of polishing within more than one zone on the specimen.

Abstract: The vacuum suction holding apparatus of the present invention has a vacuum duct which is disposed inside a polishing head, with one end of this vacuum duct being opened in the attachment surface and the other end thereof being connected to a vacuum source. A polishing body is held by suction on the attachment surface of the polishing head by sucking air through the vacuum duct. The apparatus further has an orifice which is disposed in the vacuum duct, a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor which detect the pressure inside the vacuum duct at positions before and after the orifice, and a judgment device which judges whether or not the polishing body is held by suction on the polishing head on the basis of the pressure difference before and after the orifice detected by these two pressure sensors.