Abstract: Planarizing workpieces, e.g., microelectronic workpieces, can employ a process indicator that is adapted to change an optical property in response to a planarizing condition. This process indicator may, for example, change color in response to reaching a particular temperature or in response to a particular shear force. In this example, the change in color of the process indicator may be correlated with an ongoing operating condition of the planarizing machine, such as excessive downforce, or correlated with an endpoint of the planarizing operation. Incorporating the process indicator in the planarizing medium, as proposed for select applications, can enable relatively simple, real-time collection of information that can be used to control a planarizing operation.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing pad (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) that includes a translucent windowpane (220, 320, 404, 516, 524, 604) that allows optical measurements to be made using light energy reflected from the surface of a wafer (212, 324, 608) or other object being polished. The windowpane includes a trailing end (350, 416, 632) and a leading end (348, 412, 628) each having a streamlined shape so as to reduce the disturbance to the flow of a polishing medium (216) around the windowpane. The polishing pad may further include grooves (336, 428, 520, 640) that are diverted around the windowpane so as to provide a continuous path for the polishing medium in the region of the windowpane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lasting apparatus which is provided with an ejection device, which ejects blast media, and a recovery device, which sucks and recovers ejected and used blast media, on a traveling carriage, ejects the blast media to a surface to be treated by the ejection device while causing the traveling carriage to travel on the surface to be treated, and recovers the used blast media by the recovery device, and comprising: roughness measuring device that is provided at the traveling carriage and measures roughness of an uneven surface of the surface to be treated which is treated by ejection of the blast media; and control unit which performs a feedback control of an ejection amount of the blast media, ejection pressure, ejection speed, an ejection air amount, a suction air amount by the recovery device, and a speed of the traveling carriage so that the roughness which is measured by the roughness measuring device is within a range of predetermined roughness.

Abstract: Methods are provided for shaping, maintaining the shape of, and cleaning a probe tip using a pad such as a multi-layer adhesive and abrasive pad. The multi-layer adhesive and abrasive pad may be formed from layers of adhesive material having abrasive particles in-between each layer. Using the pad, probe tips may be shaped as desired from an unfinished probe stock, substantially limiting the use of relatively expensive conventional machining operations. Further, the pad may also be used to maintain probe tips in a desired operating shape. Still further, the pad may be used to clean accumulated debris from the probe tip. Preferably, the maintenance and cleaning operations are performed on-line, with the probes operatively installed in connection with testing machinery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for post-CMP cleaning of a semiconductor work piece. The method comprises the steps of subjecting the work piece to a first cleaning composition having one of an acidic pH and a basic pH and subjecting the work piece to a second cleaning composition having an acidic pH, if the first cleaning composition has a basic pH and subjecting the work piece to a second cleaning composition having a basic pH, if the first cleaning composition has an acidic pH.

Abstract: A coolant delivery apparatus for a machine tool wherein the position of the coolant delivery apparatus is controllable such that coolant may be delivered to the machining contact zone of a tool even though the location of the machining zone of the tool may change such as during machining of a workpiece, or from one workpiece to another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for abrading the inner surface at the intersection region of a branch outlet with the wall of a body having a passageway. Using abrasive flow machining, it is possible to abrade the intersection region to provide a smooth transition between the wall and the branch outlet.

Abstract: A machining apparatus 10 of an end face of a roller includes a rotatable inner disk 11, a cage 14 having a pocket portion 13 for holding a plurality of rollers 12 at predetermined intervals in a peripheral direction at an outer diameter portion of the inner disk 11 and rotatable independently from the inner disk 11, and a drive belt 15 hung over outer diameter portions of the plurality of rollers 12 held by the inner disk 11 and the cage 14, and by rotating the inner disk 11, the cage 14 and the drive belt 15 in predetermined directions, the roller 12 is revolved while being rotated and the end face of the roller is crowned by an elastic cup grinding wheel 19.

Abstract: A polishing pad for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus has a body with a polishing surface having a radius, a central region, and a peripheral region. The polishing surface has a plurality of main radial-line channels extending radially outwardly from the central region to the peripheral region, each main radial-line channel having an angled outer segment at the peripheral region that is directed at an angle relative to a radius of the polishing surface. The polishing surface also has a plurality of primary tributary radial-line channels that are each connected by an angled transition segment to a main radial-line channel, the tributary radial-line channels being spaced apart from the main radial-line channels. The polishing pad provides an improved distribution and flow of polishing slurry during a polishing process.

Abstract: A clamping device is provided for the exact manual resharpening of knife blades (6) on a whetstone (5). The knife blade (6) is mounted in the clamping device (9) and at least one support contour (2, 14, 14a) of the clamping device (9) is designed such that it is congruent with the contour of the cutting edge of the knife blade (6) or that it extends equidistantly from the contour of the cutting edge of the knife blade (6). The present invention is characterized in that the support contour (2, 14, 14a) has an end piece provided with an arch (14) or an end piece provided with a radius (14a).

Abstract: A conical point sharpener for sharpening conical shaped points such as fishhooks, needles, surgical instruments includes a handle, a mandril with an abrasive material coating fixed to one end of said handle, a drive spindle, wherein said drive spindle is movably attached to said handle and envelops said mandril, an outwardly protruding tapered opening on said drive spindle, and a precision point alignment nest, formed between said abrasive material coating on said mandril and said drive spindle, such that when the conical point to be sharpened is placed in said outwardly protruding tapered opening of said drive spindle, the item to be sharpened is located in said precision point alignment nest and the point of the item is touching said abrasive material coating on said mandril so that the user can then rotate said drive spindle while holding the item to be sharpened, thereby conically sharpening the point as the item to be sharpened rotates around said mandril.

Abstract: Embodiments of a flexible pad conditioner for conditioning a processing pad are provided. The pad conditioner includes an arc-shaped member having an abrasive bottom surface configured for conditioning the processing pad. Means are provided to apply a downward force as well as to oscillate the pad conditioner. Further means may be provided to vary the downward force along the length of the pad conditioner. In one embodiment, a plurality of actuators may be coupled to a top surface of the member and adapted to selectively provide an independently controllable force against the member to finely control the conditioning profile.

Abstract: A hand-held, manually-operated, sanding tool for use with a replaceable sheet-like abrasive material, such as sandpaper, includes a base member and clamping mechanisms pivotally connected with opposed ends of the base member. The clamping mechanisms include tensioning members arranged to slidably engage angled contact surfaces provided on the ends of the base member opposite the clamping mechanisms to tighten the sheet-like abrasive material as it is installed on the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a surface treating article, and in one embodment for making a plurality of surface treating articles. The apparatus includes an attaching means for attaching a fastener to a surface treating web and a cutting means for cutting the web around the fastener to provide a surface treating article. In one embodiment, a sensor, such as a machine vision system, senses a position of the fastener on the web, with this sensed position being used to direct operation of the cutting means.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and associated devices for casingless production of food products include: (a) providing a series of shells, the shells having sufficient structural rigidity to define an enclosed cavity space of predetermined substantially constant size and shape; (b) injecting a quantity of flowable food emulsion into the shells in serial order; (c) moving the shells forward along a predetermined travel path with the emulsion in the enclosed cavities; (d) exposing the emulsion in the shells to predetermined processing conditions that alter the emulsion held in the respective shells to a non-flowable edible food product having the molded shape of their respective shell cavities; and then (e) releasing the non-flowable food products from their respective shells.

Abstract: A method of stuffing natural casings with emulsion involves placing a follower against an upstream end of the natural casing to slide the natural casing forwardly along a hollow meat stuffing tube. The follower is mounted on the stuffing tube and advances the natural casing towards a discharge end of the stuffing tube, where sausage emulsion is injected into the natural casing. The follower pushes the filled casing through a hollow conical-shaped restricting device adjacent the discharge end which limits the outer diameter of the filled natural casing to ensure the uniform shape of the casing as it enters the twisting mechanism. The follower is connected to a longitudinally movable shaft that is parallel to the stuffing tube. A machine includes the foregoing components to accomplish this method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double function-hand operated meat tenderizer according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a handle being formed of two components, a blade assembly being detachably mounted between the two components of the handle, a plurality of columns where upper ends of the columns are mounted on the handle, and a comb being mounted on lower ends of the columns for being slidably movable toward and away from the handle. The comb has plurality of flow-through slots and protruding teeth extending from a bottom surface of the comb.

Abstract: A hanger designed for supporting pork bellies during handling and processing into slabs of bacon characterized by support member, a force distributing strut member and a generally rectangular base frame with a top bar and a bottom bar, and a series of generally L-shaped prong members attached to the base frame and defining a prong assembly extending laterally from the base frame. The prong members are attached to the bottom bar opposite the side of the prong assembly. The force is distributed in the hanger structure from the support member to the base frame by a generally vertical force distributing rod connecting the base frame and the support member.

Abstract: A mine ventilation structure is incorporated at the intersection of first and second intersecting passages in a mine. The ventilation structure comprises a tunnel-forming construction (e.g., a pair of side walls each walling off at least a portion of a respective mouth of a first passage and a deck spanning the side walls and connected thereto). The construction defines a tunnel establishing communication of air from the upstream to the downstream mouth of the second passage. An air deflector is located in the first passage adjacent the tunnel-forming construction for decreasing shock loss associated with the mine ventilation structure, thereby increasing the amount of air flow produced by the mine's ventilation system.

Abstract: A roof ridge vent formed from a continuous, indeterminate-length, elongate strip of openwork material that has a pair of longitudinally-extending side edges each covered with a waterproof material. The edge coverings function as wind baffles and promote air circulation through the vent when wind blows over the roof ridge. The ridge vent is rollable lengthwise into a spiral roll for storage and shipment and is unrolled lengthwise during installation on a roof ridge.

Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus round with multiple selection groups. The bonus round does not end upon an “end-bonus” selection; rather, the bonus round ends upon the selection of a predetermined number of selections from the last or final selection group. In one embodiment, the number of selections is determined from a selection group preceding the final selection group. Prior to determining the number of final selection group picks, the game provides the player with at least one selection group in which the player selects award indicators until selecting an indicator that advances the player to the next selection group. Player excitement and enjoyment is enhanced because the present invention provides the player with multiple opportunities to achieve game credits and because the player is guaranteed to have at least one opportunity to select from the final selection group. In one embodiment, the final selection group has larger values than the previous selection groups.

Abstract: A game of chance involving a progression of events is conducted on one or more gaming machines. After receiving a wager from a player at a gaming machine, play of the game is initiated. If the game is paused, the status of the paused game is stored at a central database linked to and remote from the gaming machine. This game status is associated with a personal identifier of the player. To continue play of the game beginning from a point at which the game was paused, the personal identifier is provided to the central database via the same or another gaming machine and the game status associated with the personal identifier is retrieved from the central database.

Abstract: Directional haptic feedback for a haptic feedback interface device. A haptic feedback interface device, in communication with a host computer, includes a housing physically contacted by a user operating the interface device, and a plurality of actuators producing inertial forces when the actuators are driven by control signals. Each of the actuators includes a rotatable eccentric mass positioned offset on a rotating shaft of the actuator, where the actuators are rotated simultaneously such that centrifugal forces from the rotation of masses combine to output the inertial forces substantially only along a single axis having a desired direction approximately in a plane of rotation of the masses.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus with a scanner is disclosed where a player can input an object into the scanner, view and modify the scan and take actions based on the scan.

Abstract: When a light beam shot from a light gun hits a target plate mounted on a target device, the light beam is detected by a beam detected position detecting unit, which generates a current based on the shot impact position of the light beam on the target plate. An extraneous light detecting unit generates a current based on extraneous light applied to the target device. The current generated by the beam detected position detecting unit or a voltage based on the current, and the current generated by the extraneous light detecting unit or a voltage based on the current are supplied to a subtractor, which subtracts the current generated by the extraneous light detecting unit or the voltage based on the current from the current generated by the beam detected position detecting unit or the voltage based on the current, and outputs a differential current or voltage value. Thus, an extraneous light component is removed from the current generated by the beam detected position detecting unit.

Abstract: A play facility (1) includes a rotation shaft (25) erected on a floor inside the play facility, the rotation shaft being rotatable (25) around its axis; a brush-like decorative object (33) attached to a circumferential periphery of the rotation shaft (25); and a driving means for rotating the rotation shaft (25) around its axis. A play participant can play while holding on to the rotation shaft (25) to which the decorative object (33) is attached.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a ride for providing an upward boost to a participant jumping up and down. The flexible rods of this disclosure may be articulated by a base thereby imparting tension in the flexible rods, and providing an upward force to a participant jumping up and down. Additionally, elastic pods may be provided, allowing participants to bounce upward in a addition to the lift provided by the flexible members, thereby enhancing the participant's experience.

Abstract: A ball feeder comprises a funnel having a base, opposing side walls, a ball inlet end and a ball outlet end. The base is inclined to define a ramp extending downwards from the inlet end to the outlet end and the side walls diverge in width from the inlet end to the outlet end. The ball feeder also comprises a scoop for receiving a single transverse row of balls at the outlet end of the funnel and means for raising the scoop into an elevated position in which it defines a second ramp extending transversely of the first mentioned ramp and in which it can release the balls one at a time. The raising means may also raise and lower a tee.

Abstract: A Hole-aligning Putter is disclosed. The putter defines a center alignment mark on the face and top surface of the club head. The putter further displays second and third alignment marks straddling the first (center) alignment mark in spaced relation at a distance of somewhat less than the diameter of a conventional golf ball. Finally, the putter further displays fourth and fifth alignment marks straddling the first (center) alignment mark in spaced relation at a distance equal to the diameter of the cup. The result of the visually apparent difference in the distance between the fourth and fifth marks and that of the second and third marks inspires additional confidence in the golfer, thereby improving his or her golf game.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing golf club head has a head body, a faceplate and a shock-absorbing core. The head body has a crown, a sole, a toe, a shank, a rear, an open front, a core cavity and an air outlet. The open front has an inner shoulder. The core cavity is defined in the head body and communicates with the open front. The air outlet is defined through the head body, and communicates with the core cavity. The faceplate is mounted securely on the inner shoulder of the open front of the head body. The shock-absorbing core is mounted in the core cavity. The air in the core cavity is discharged to the ambient atmosphere through the air outlet when a foaming agent serving as the shock-absorbing core foams inside the core cavity.

Abstract: A golf club head has a face portion, a crown portion, a sole portion, a side portion and a hosel portion. Each portion is made of titanium or a titanium alloy. The side portion is formed integrally entirely from its toe side to its back side and its heel side. The side portion and the hosel portion are cast integrally. The face portion, the crown portion and the sole portion are molded separately from one another. The face portion, the crown portion, the sole portion and the side portion are welded integrally so as to form a golf club head. The Young's modulus of the crown portion is lower than any Young's modulus of the face portion, the sole portion, the side portion and the hosel portion.

Abstract: Golf ball 1 has a core 2, a mid layer 3 and a cover 4. The mid layer 3 comprises a matrix of which base material is a rubber or a synthetic resin, and solid particles which are dispersed in this matrix. Hardness Hg of the solid particles is greater than hardness Hm of the matrix. Difference between both hardness (Hg?Hm) is greater than 5. Particle size D of the solid particles is 0.5 mm or greater. A ratio “D/T”, i.e., a ratio of the particle size D of the solid particles to the thickness T of the mid layer is equal to or greater than 0.1. A proportion of the solid particles occupied in the mid layer 3 is 5% by weight or greater and 50% by weight or less. Hardness Hg of the solid particles is equal to or greater than 40. Hardness Hm of the matrix is equal to or greater than 30.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has a core, one or more mantle or inner cover layers with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 53 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the inner and/or outer cover layers comprise a reaction injection molded polyurethane. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less and, particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.

Abstract: A golf ball with at least one moisture vapor barrier layer is disclosed. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may comprise butyl rubber. The butyl rubber may also be a halogenated butyl rubber such as bromobutyl rubber or chlorobutyl rubber. The butyl rubber may also be a sulfonated butyl rubber. The butyl rubber may be blended with other polymers. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer is placed on to a core subassembly and cured by infrared radiation (IR). IR-curable moisture vapor barrier materials include, but not limited to, butyl rubber, polysulfide rubber and single-pack castable polymers, among others. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, an outer layer of the golf ball may comprise a polymer that has a cured temperature greater than the softening temperature or melting temperature of the encased subassembly. Such outer layer may be cured by IR.

Abstract: A golf ball having a cover comprised of a single ionomeric resin. The resin has an acid content no greater than about 10% and is preferably 100% neutralized and has a flex modulus of at least 31,000 psi. The ball has a Shore D hardness of about 55, a PGA compression of about 85, a COR of at least 0.700 and exhibits superior cut and abrasion resistance while providing a soft feel and a high spin rate.

Abstract: A ball game system for training and/or play comprising a one or more playing areas suitably large to accommodate running and jumping players, each playing area including adjacent surface areas forming a court and having distinctly different properties, such as a first surface suitable for bouncing a ball and a second surface comprised of a deformable elastic material. The system includes an automatic ball feeder and sensors for monitoring the positions and trajectories of one or more players and/or balls on the court. Options include visual displays and/or audio outputs reflective of player performance, and payment-driven operation of the system components, including a means for adjusting the degree of rebound provided by the deformable elastic surface(s).

Abstract: A tee-ball server apparatus for conducting batting practice wherein the apparatus supplies a ball to a ball receiving seat member so the batter may swing a bat in order to hit the ball. The tee-ball server apparatus includes a movable rod having the ball receiving seat member thereon, with the movable rod being movable between a retracted position and an extended position within a server housing. The tee-ball server apparatus further includes a worm gear assembly for driving the movable rod between the retracted position and the extended position for receiving a ball on the ball receiving seat member to be hit; and a ball supply chute assembly is disposed adjacent to the server housing for supplying balls to the ball receiving seat member on the movable rod for the batter to hit the ball.

Abstract: A broadhead type arrowhead for coupling to the shaft of an arrow includes a plurality of insertable, removable blades, an elongate body having a tip and a depending body, the tip being designed for penetrating an object at which the arrow is directed, the body having a slot defined therein corresponding to each of the plurality of blades, each slot extending through a portion of the body offset from a broadhead longitudinal axis and having two slot openings, each of the slot openings being common with an adjacent slot; and each of the plurality of blades being selectively insertable in a respective slot from either of the common slot openings to effect a left offset or a right offset as desired. A method of forming such a broadhead is further included.

Abstract: Plural auxiliary devices such as a water pump and a generator coupled to a serpentine belt-drive system are driven by an internal combustion engine mounted on an automobile vehicle. The generator is divided into a first generator having a pulley in which a one-way clutch is installed and a second generator having a usual solid pulley. Fluctuations in the belt tension caused by changes in instantaneous rotational speed of the internal combustion engine are suppressed or reduced by the one-way clutch installed in the pulley of the first generator. An inertia torque of a rotor of the first generator may be made higher than that of the second generator because effects of the inertia torque on the belt tension fluctuations are alleviated by the one-way clutch.

Abstract: A final drive assembly for transmitting torque between an input and an output includes a compound gear assembly. The compound gear assembly includes at least three planetary gear trains and is in driving engagement with the input. Each planetary gear train of the at least three planetary gear trains is adapted to coactively and drivingly engage the output, wherein torque generated by the input is distributed to the output by each of the planetary gear trains.

Abstract: A series of gear motors, a gear motor, and a planetary-gear stage includes planet wheels that mesh with a sun wheel and inner gear teeth provided for the gear housing. The planet wheels are supported in a rotatable planet carrier, which forms the power take-off, and to which a sealing element is assigned on the output side. The planetary-gear stage is assigned a further sealing element on the input side. The gear housing is shaped on the input side such that an interface is formed for connection to further components, which include at least one shaft connected to the sun wheel.

Abstract: A method of controlling the shifting of an automatic manual transmission is based on observer-based timing of different phases of the shift process. The observer-based control strategy includes simultaneous management of the engine throttle and transmission actuators. The torque characteristics of the transmission are also taken into consideration during control of the engine throttle, thereby minimizing shift time and wear on transmission components. The control strategy uses mathematical models called observers to monitor the value of inherent properties attributable to specific actuators and to provide signals used to implement parallel task execution.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine coupled to a transmission is described. The method is especially suited for a transmission having at least one gear in which an over-running clutch is present. The invention describes a method for adjusting an engine operating parameter to maintain transmission input speed at or below a synchronous transmission input speed when the transmission is in the gear with the over-running clutch. The synchronous transmission input speed is based on transmission state and transmission output speed. Alternatively, vehicle speed can be used in place of transmission output speed.

Abstract: An offset value setting processing, in which whether or not all wheel velocities of front wheels and rear wheels are 0 km/h is determined and whether or not a pressing amount of an accelerator pedal is 0% is determined. If it is determined that the vehicle velocity is 0 km/h and that the pressing amount of the accelerator pedal is 0%, a current detection signal voltage at that time is set to an offset voltage. Thus, the offset voltage value is reset and set again if such a condition is established. Consequently, the offset voltage value including the amount of an error due to a temperature drift is set up, thereby preventing drop in control accuracy due to that error.

Abstract: A quick-coupling post for trampoline safety fence is formed from a plurality of sequentially connectable hollow sections and an elastic connecting element mounted in each section. Each of the hollow sections has an upper portion adapted to fitly extend into a lower portion of another section to align two through holes separately provided at the upper and the lower portion of the two hollow sections, respectively. The elastic connecting element is in the form of a letter V to include two normally outward stretched arms that naturally elastically press against two opposite inner surfaces of the hollow section. One of the two arms is provided at a free end with a short shaft tube that elastically extends through the two aligned through holes on two coupled hollow sections to hold the two coupled sections in place relative to each other.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine and methods for using the machine where the horizontal length of the stride of the ellipse can be adjusted by the user without the user having to alter the vertical dimension of the ellipse by an equivalent amount. The machine provides for alteration due to the interaction of two arms via a coupler where distance from a rotational axis to the coupler may be adjusted. The machine may allow for this adjustment to occur during the performance of an exercise routine.

Abstract: A kettlebell is disclosed herein having, in its preferred embodiment, a pair of oppositely-facing, generally frustum-shaped weightplates disposed about a first axis that is perpendicular to the axis of its handle. The frustum shape reduces the force of impact against the user's forearm during certain exercise movements. The preferred handle includes places which can be held between the user's thumb and remaining fingers for improved control during other exercise movements.

Abstract: A dumbbell including a tubular handle with a thread on the inside surface of the tube. A straight groove that cuts through the internal thread is also formed on the inside surface of the tubular handle. A stop plate is mounted on each end of the tubular handle. A pair of retainers are provided, each retainer being a shaft with a retainer plate on one end. Each shaft has a partial thread on its outside surface extending the length of the respective shaft. A weight plate stack is mounted on the shaft and the shaft is securely inserted into the tubular handle by aligning the partial thread with the groove, sliding the shaft through openings in the weight plates into the tubular handle, then rotating each shaft to where the partial thread on the shaft engages the interior thread of the tubular handle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel therapy cushion for use in conjunction with a conventional blood pressure cuff. The cuff is inserted into the cushion, and the cushion with inserted cuff is placed between the legs (or against one leg). The cuff is inflated and used as calibrated resistance training device for therapeutic/rehabilitation purposes. The device is especially effective following hip or knee replacement surgery. The manometer (on the blood pressure cuff) serves to indicate resistance level. Other variations are possible for other exercises.

Abstract: A muscle exercising device includes a body with two pivotable members pivotably connected to two sides of the body and each pivotable member has an arm connected thereto. Each of the two pivotable members has a first pressing portions and a second pressing portion, both of the two pressing portions are in contact with two outsides of a resilient member connected between the two pivotable members. A sliding member is slidably connected to the body and the resilient member is connected to and movable together with the sliding member. The users pivot the two arms to compress the resilient member to exercise muscles.