Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device (1) for affecting thermoacoustic oscillations in a combustion system (6) comprising at least one burner (7) and at least one combustor (8). In order to improve the action of affecting the thermoacoustic oscillations, a gas flow forming in the e region of the burner (7) is excited acoustically, modulated injection of fuel is carried out, the acoustic excitation of the gas flow and the modulated injection of the fuel are coordinated in order to affect the same interference frequency.

Abstract: An platform for use with an instrument during an endodontic procedure. The platform includes a substantially rectangular-shaped body for holding the instrument pierced partly therethrough, a linear measure for establishing the working length of the instrument; and a reservoir for receiving a medicament. The platform may also include a removable marker for staking out distance along the linear measure and a plurality of scoreable stage markings for indicating the particular stage of the endodontic procedure.

Abstract: An interproximal squirt brush includes a solution container having a compressible solution chamber for containing a washing solution and a nozzle head having an opening, and a brush head including a brush arm and a brush member. The brush arm has a brush portion and a retention portion slidably inserted into the opening of the solution container, wherein a dispensing channel is formed between the retention portion of the brush arm and the inner wall of the nozzle head for allowing the solution to pass therethrough. The brush member is provided at the brush portion of the brush arm. Therefore, when a compression force is applied on the solution container, the solution is released to the brush member through the dispensing channel of the nozzle head.

Abstract: A method and bur is described for preparing a surface of a metal substrate. The bur includes a shank portion and a cutting head. The cutting head includes a base portion connected to the shank portion, a tip portion opposite the base portion and a plurality of similar blades defined by equal size bur grooves formed along a longitudinal axis of the cutting head. Each of the blades including a plurality of spaced dentates defined by a helical groove spiraling from the base portion to the tip portion in a counterclockwise direction about the circumference of the cutting head at an angle departing from a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at an angle from about 5 to about 18 degrees.

Abstract: A rotary connector including a first part, a second part rotationally coupled to the first part to form an interior of the rotary connector, and an electrical cable housed within the interior of the rotary connector. An over current protection device is housed within an integral space of the rotary connector and configured to provide over current protection for the electrical cable.

Abstract: A folding electronic apparatus is proposed, the rigidity of the hinge of which is sufficiently high, in which signal wires for connecting a movable portion with a stationary portion can be easily incorporated. The apparatus includes: a stationary portion (2) and a movable portion (3) which are connected to each other by a hinge (4), capable of being opened and closed, the hinge includes: a pipe portion (32) having a first slit (35) on a side wall, the pipe portion being attached to one of the movable portion and the stationary portion; and a hollow shaft (24) having a second slit (25) on the side wall, the hollow shaft (24) being attached to the other of the movable portion and the stationary portion, the hollow shaft (24) being engaged inside the pipe portion, wherein the first and second slits extend to positions shifted from an engaging portion of the pipe portion with the hollow portion in the axial direction and define opening portions (25a, 35a) of the first and second slits.

Abstract: A coaxial cable comprises a dielectric for covering a core wire, a conductor layer disposed around the dielectric, a housing disposed around the conductor layer. The housing and conductor layer at the processed end part of this coaxial cable is removed, a prescribed length of an exposed dielectric is removed from the end and the core wire inside is connected to the electrode of a circuit substrate. In this case, a shielding material is disposed in the vicinity of the dielectric in such a way as to cover the exposed dielectric, and this shielding material is connected to a common electrode formed on a substrate.

Abstract: A connection structure for a printed wiring board which enables high density integration is provided. A FCP 2 includes an exposed conductor part 2A including an insulating substrate 22 and a reinforcing plate 24 stacked with this substrate 22 via an elastic member 23. In the exposed conductor part 2A, conductors 21 each having a protrusion 20 formed on a surface is placed on the insulating substrate. The exposed conductor part 2A can be elastically deformed in the thickness direction in which the substrate 22, the reinforcing plate 24 and the like are stacked. A printed wiring board 1 is constructed by stacking an inner layer board 10 and a first outer layer board 11 and a second outer layer board 12 which sandwich this inner layer board 10. A notched groove 10A is formed on the inner layer board 10, and an insertion opening 10B is formed. Through-hole ports 11 which appear on the notched groove 10A side is placed on the first outer layer board.

Abstract: A shielded electrical connector (100) for receiving a module includes a shielding shell (3) mounted to a printed circuit board, an insulative housing (1) assembled to the shell and equipped with a number of contacts (2). Each contact has a contacting portion (22) for contacting with the module and a soldering portion (23) extending beyond the shell for connection to the printed circuit board. The shell comprises a bottom plate (32) extending in a direction perpendicular to the module insertion direction and a plurality of side plates (310, 311, 312, 313) extending upwardly from the bottom plate and cooperating with the bottom plate to form a receiving space for receiving the module. Every two adjacent side plates are connected to each other.

Abstract: A protruding table which was conventionally provided in a center portion of a socket body is eliminated, so that a dimension of a socket in widthwise direction is reduced. When the socket is mounted on a circuit board, an adsorption cover is attached to the socket, and the socket is adsorbed by and held on an adsorption nozzle via the adsorption cover. On the other hand, with respect to a header, gaps between header posts arranged in longitudinal direction are separated by cross walls, so that concave portions are formed between the cross walls. Under a state that an adsorption face of the adsorption nozzle is contacted with the header so that a suction opening of the adsorption nozzle face the concave portion, an enclosed space is formed by at least two cross walls, a bottom face of the concave portion and the adsorption face of the adsorption nozzle.

Abstract: An IC embedding seat comprises a body and a sliding cover to form a sliding mechanism provided for IC with BGA package no longer using SMT, soldering paste, or flux for IC maintenance and replacement, the body has one or more IC containers each of which bottom has a conducting pin array formed by a plurality of conducting pin units with elasticity and conductivity arrayed in matrix arrangement, and the sliding cover is constructed a cover to the body with sliding movement to open or close the body, so that the IC is easily embedded into the IC container of the body to get a well electrical connection with the corresponding conducting pin units of the body after simply sliding the sliding cover to close the body, and without de-soldering process the embedded IC is freely removed from the IC container by sliding the sliding cover to open the body.

Abstract: A computer side plate which can be quickly assembled or disassembled is provided with inverted hooks and hook seats on the side plate of computer, which are locked on a movable plate at a top end of computer casing and on a bottom edge of computer casing, respectively. When the side plate is to be removed, a push knob on a rack at an inner side of a back panel of computer is pressed, and then a push block of a board lump inside the push knob can drive a push rod inward to carry the moveable plate to be displaced, thereby enabling hook holes on the movable plate to be released from the inverted hooks of side plate, such that the side plate can be easily and quickly disassembled.

Abstract: A card connector comprises an insulating housing; a plurality of contacts retained in the insulating housing; a shielding provided with one end along a card inserting direction coupled on the housing, and defining a card receiving space together with the insulating housing with a card inserting opening at the other end of the shielding, the shielding having a pair of opposite side edges, one of the side edges being in substantially linear configuration and the other of the side edges being in a step configuration so that the width of the card inserting opening is wider than that of the insulating housing; and an ejector assembled on the shield for ejecting the card.

Abstract: A card connector capable of preventing a card from accidental disengagement therefrom includes a housing having a base plate, a stationary terminal area located at a first side of the base plate, and a concave portion located at a second side of the base plate; a slide member slidably mounted in the concave portion; and an anti-run member having a main body, a fastening piece formed at a rear end of the main body, and a buckle portion formed at a front end of the main body. An elongated slide way is formed in the concave portion and located close to the stationary terminal area. An inclined guide portion is formed at a front end of the slide way. A recess is formed at a front end of the guide portion. The main body of the anti-run member further has a support piece extending toward the first side therefrom.

Abstract: A power supply with optional types of plugs, composed by one universal body and replaceable plug, is disclosed. The universal body includes a plurality of blocks, a circular recess, an elastic switch key, and two conductive plates; whereas the plugs could be different specifications of plug with opposite blocks and two conductive plates, the block holes and blocks include a set of error-proof block hole and error-proof block which posses a block slot to hold the fan-shaped block.

Abstract: An electrical zero insertion force connector includes a first part having two housings, a second part having a plug, and a sleeve contact having contact segments with a gap. A clamp movably connects to the sleeve contact. The second housing movably connects to the first housing. The sleeve contact extends into the first housing such that the clamp engages the first housing and the contact segments engage the second housing. The second part connects to the first housing such that the parts connect together with the plug inserted into the gap. Upon connecting to the first housing, the second part disengages the second housing from the first housing and moves the second housing toward the first housing such that the sleeve contact moves with the second housing away from the clamp until the clamp moves over the contact segments and presses the contact segments onto the plug.

Abstract: A plug-in electrical bridge connector includes a pair of parallel bridge contacts that extend through contact openings contained in an insulated bus bar housing arrangement for electrical engagement with bus bars mounted in chambers contained therein, respectively. A locking device is arranged in at least one of the bus bar chambers for automatic locking engagement with the associated bridge contact, thereby to retain the bridge contact in engagement with the associated bus bar. A release device is moveably mounted on the bridge connector body for displacement from a retracted position toward an operable extended position in which the release member unlocks the locking device from the bridge contact, thereby to permit removal of the bridge connector from the bus bar housing arrangement.

Abstract: A card holder has a dielectric base adapted to support the card and having an upstanding flange formed with two holes having outer edges spaced apart along an axis by a predetermined distance. A cover is formed with two tabs engageable through the holes and having outer edges spaced apart by slightly less than the predetermined distance. The cover outer edges are formed with respective oppositely outwardly projecting bumps. The tab has at the bumps a width slightly greater than the predetermined width. The cover is deformable such that the tabs can be forced with elastic deformation of the cover through the holes until the bumps pass through the holes. The cover is pivotal about the axis on the base when the tabs are fitted through the hole. A seat on the cover loosely holds the card on the cover limitedly pivotal relative to the cover.

Abstract: A card connector can ensure credibility of electric contact between electrodes of an inserted card and contact elements against impact and vibration as well as lowering of the height. The card connector has a main body unit having a panel portion including contact elements with a spring property, and having a rising portion on either side, the rising portion having at its front portion a notch portion followed by a hook portion, and having at its rear portion a generally L-shaped see-through hole; and a tray having a card holding portion for inserting a card, and having a front-portion tab and a rear-portion tab on either side, wherein when the tray is closed, the front-portion tab is in a position for engaging with the hook portion and the rear-portion tab is in a position at an end of a horizontal portion of the generally L-shaped see-through hole to regulate the movement of the tray in the back-and-forth direction.

Abstract: An electronic part attachment socket includes a socket housing including an electronic part housing section with an open top into which all or part of an electronic part is housed; and contacts are supported by a socket housing and form an elastic contact with the terminal sections of the electronic part. The electronic part is connected to a printed circuit substrate by way of the contacts. A shield case is formed in a box shape that fits to the outer perimeter of the socket housing, and is formed integrally with a pushing section that projects inward. The shield case is fitted to the socket housing so that it is prevented from slipping off so that the pushing section pushes the electronic part toward the contacts, resulting in the electronic part being housed in the electronic part housing section.

Abstract: To provide a guide core capable of being detachably attached to an insert body and an insert body to which the guide core can be detachably attached, the present invention provides a guide core able to be attached in a detachable way to an insert body, comprising a supporting portion capable of supporting an external terminal face of an area array type electronic component so that external terminals of the area array type electronic component are exposed to the direction of connection terminals of a socket, and a hook receiver able to be engaged in a releasable way with a hook portion provided to the insert body, and an insert body able to be attached in a detachable way with the guide core, comprising an electronic component guide portion comprising a guide core attachment socket to which the guide core is attached, and an electronic component inlet connected with the guide core attachment socket so that an electronic component can be guided to the guide core attached to the guide core attachment socket, and

Abstract: A cable connector assembly (100) includes a housing defining a mating interface, a printed circuit board (3) received in the housing, and defining a mating portion (30) accessible from the mating interface (11), a cable (4) with a number of conductors electrically attached to the printed circuit board and a latch (5) unitarily molded with the connector housing.

Abstract: A cable plug retention clip having a clip body adapted to secure a cable plug to a power distribution unit. The clip body has a first retention mechanism adapted to secure the clip body to the power distribution unit, and a second retention mechanism adapted to secure the clip body to the cable plug. A system having a power strip comprising a power outlet adapted to receive a plug of a power cord, and a plug retainer adapted to couple the plug to the power strip. The plug retainer has a first retention mechanism engageable with the power strip, and a second retention mechanism engageable with the plug.

Abstract: An electrical connector (10) having a contact element (50) retained in a hollow body (12). The body (12) has an internal socket structure (44) for receiving an end of the contact element (50) so that insulation displacement contacts (54) of this engage and make electrical connection to wires (70) of an incoming cable (16) to which the connector is connected. Fingers (56) of the connector element (50) extend externally of the connector body and carry electrical contacts (82).

Abstract: Various embodiments of a heat sink assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, the heat sink assembly includes a processor mounted onto a circuit board; a heat sink located in thermal contact with the processor at the side of the processor opposite circuit board; and an electromagnetic shielding member located between the circuit board and the heat sink. The electromagnetic shielding member is releasably attached to the circuit board. Additionally, or in the alternative, the heat sink is biased toward the processor by a load spring and the electromagnetic shielding member is configured to provide a spring force between the circuit board and the heat sink, counter directional to the bias from the load spring.

Abstract: A connector includes a passage defined in a rear end thereof and a cover is pivotably connected to the connector. The cover includes a plurality of engaging teeth defined in an underside thereof and an axle passing through the engaging teeth. A terminal has a base from which a contact arm and a connection arm extend. The contact arm has a terminal contact end at a distal end thereof and the connection arm has a connection portion projecting from a distal end thereof. A notch is defined in the connection portion. A sharp plate extends from a top side of the connection arm. The terminal extends through the passage of the connector and the axle of the cover is engaged with the notch of the connection arm and the sharp plate is securely in contact with the inside of the passage of the connector.

Abstract: A flat cable 11 has a connecting end 23 provided with a conductor exposing part 24, in which an insulating coating 22 is removed so as to be electrically connected to a plurality of terminals 3 and a plurality of conductors 21 are exposed. A cable holder 12 has a cable winding part 26 around which the conductor exposing part 24 is wound so as to be turned back and a provisional holding part 27 which is rotatably supported and presses and holds the connecting end 23. A fitting housing 13, is fitted into a to-be-connected housing element 2 with the connecting end 23 and the cable holder 12 inserted thereto. A clamping part 14 is arranged in an insertion port 36 of the fitting housing 13, presses the provisional holding part 27 to the cable winding part 26, and presses and clamps the connecting end 23 to the cable winding part 26 from both sides.

Abstract: A watthour meter socket adapter carries rigid conductors extending from a connection to jaw contacts in a housing, the conductors mounting the socket adapter between the lower load mounting connections and the upper line mounting connections in a meter fitting to define an in-service metering position where the socket adapter and the watthour meter are disposed in the normal out-of-service, non-metering position in the meter fitting. The socket adapter housing is spaced from a ground terminal insulating block mounted over a ground terminal in the meter fitting. In another aspect, a plurality of current transformers are carried on a plate which mounts in an existing K-series meter fitting line and load terminal connections footprint.

Abstract: A multipurpose connection box for connecting an electrical energy source to at least two different function modules having different electrical functions. Each function module has a different arrangement of male prongs and the connection box has corresponding terminals for receiving those prongs for plugging in either of the function modules one at a time. The terminals include serrated clamping jaws for penetrating insulated wires to provide electrical contact without removal of the insulation. The connection box may include features for mounting modules supporting ceiling fixtures.

Abstract: A connector receptacle assembly for facilitating electrical connections is provided. The receptacle assembly includes a housing having a mating end for receiving a plug assembly; and at least one flexible latch member disposed on and projecting from an outer surface of the housing. Each latch member is defined by a longitudinally extending slot formed in the housing and extending along a side edge of the latch member and a transversely extending slot formed in the housing and extends along a rear edge of the latch member. In one embodiment, each latch member is pivotable about a pivot axis extending between a distal end of the longitudinally extending slot and a distal end of the transversely extending slot.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises an insulated housing (1) defines a receiving cavity (10) and a pair of latching portions respectively formed at longwise ends thereof; a plurality of conductive terminals (2, 2?) disposed in the housing and each has a contact portion exposed to the receiving cavity; a stuffer member (3) mounted to the housing and moving between an open position and a closed position; and a pair of metal strengthen member (4) mounted to the housing. The stuffer member comprises a main plate (31), a tongue plate (32) extending from a middle portion of the main plate and a pair of latching arms (33) extending from two longwise ends of the main plate to locate beside the tongue plate. Each latching arm has a latch (331) bending inward from its free end. The metal strengthen member has a stopping tab (42) cooperating with the latching portion to engage with the latch of the latching arm when the stuffer member in the open position.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a dielectric housing having at least one terminal-receiving passage extending in a terminal-insertion direction. A pair of grooves are respectively formed in side walls of the passage and extend in the terminal-insertion direction. A conductive terminal having side walls is inserted into the passage. A pair of smooth outwardly extending projections is formed on the side walls for riding in the grooves in the side walls of the passage. A locking shoulder is spaced from the projections a distance greater than the given distance, whereby the front contact end of the terminal can be inserted into the passage only when the top walls of the terminal and the passage are juxtaposed to align the projections on the terminal with the grooves in the passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for minimizing alien crosstalk between connectors. Specifically, an apparatus for reducing crosstalk in the form of a termination cap for a connector is disclosed. The cap is manufactured of a material configured to minimize transmission of electrical signal away from its intended path. The cap is constructed to fit about a jack that includes a port for receiving a plug, spring contacts for making electrical contact with the plug, and insulation displacement contacts housed in an insulation displacement contact housing. The cap is constructed to form a shield structure along a top, a back, and two sides of the insulation displacement contact housing.

Abstract: In a connector including a conductive contact to be connected to a cable and a housing holding the contact, a conductive shell is coupled to the housing. The housing has a first surface with an engaging portion. The conductive shell includes a main body adapted to cover three surfaces of the housing except for the first surface and a cable holding portion formed integral with the main body for fixing the cable. The main body has a protrusion engaged with the engaging portion.

Abstract: A low-profile fuse (10) includes a tab terminal (15) provided at an end of a fuse element (17), and a protective projection (12) provided in a middle part (11c) of a fuse body (11) for protecting the fuse element (17). Said low-profile fuse (10) is adapted to a housing (50) of a fuse cavity (55). Guides (67A), (67B) is provided on the housing (50) for preventing the low-profile fuse (10) from being inserted obliquely into the housing (50). Said guides (67A), (67B) of the housing (50) are allowed to make contact with the protective projection (12) of the fuse (10). Slopes (67c), (67d), (67e), (67f) are provided on the guides (67A), (67B). The guides (67A), (67B) are taller than the terminal (30) mounted on the housing (50). This fuse cavity is provided in an electric junction box (1).

Abstract: A terminal-protective card connector is composed of a housing, at least two groups (first and second) of terminals, and a pressing member. All of the terminals are mounted in the housing. The second group of terminals is located in front of the first group of terminals. Each of the terminals in the second group is elastically raised, having a contact portion formed at a distal end thereof. The housing further includes a rectangular receiving portion and two stopping portions formed at least one pair of opposite lateral edges of the receiving portions. The pressing member has two stopped portion corresponding to the two stopping portions, and a plurality of through formed therethrough. The terminals in the second group are raised against the pressing member and the contact portions extend through the through holes to be exposed above the pressing member.

Abstract: A connector assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (10) defining a central slot (14) with two rows of passageways (16) by two sides thereof and two rows of contacts (20) disposed in the corresponding passageways, respectively. An electronic card (9) is received in the central slot and has a number of circuit pads (91) on a bottom portion thereof to engage the corresponding contacts, respective. Each of the contacts defines a contact section (22) extending into the central slot, and such contact section is of a downward bellows type with an overlapped region. The inner arm of the overlapped region provides a contact apex contacting the corresponding circuit pad. A height of the overlapped region is similar to a lengthwise dimension of the corresponding circuit pad when the printed circuit board is fully inserted into the slot.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing, a substrate, and shielding plates. The housing has an inserting hole for the substrate, and the substrate has a plurality of signal patterns and a plurality of ground patterns alternately arranged on at least one surface of the substrate in a manner that one signal pattern is between two ground patterns. The signal patterns and the ground patterns each have a contact portion to contact a mating object and a connection portion to be connected to a cable. The shielding plates are each connected to the connection portion of the ground pattern for shielding. With this construction, the electrical connector achieves its miniaturization and reduction in crosstalk regardless of length of connected cables.

Abstract: An electrical connector compatible to standard USB connector includes an insulative housing forming a tongue (12) extending forwardly, a plurality of first and second contacts (22) mounted to the housing, and a shell (30) enclosing the housing. The tongue defines a plurality of passageways (14, 19) in a longitudinal direction. Each first contact has a first beam (213) received in a corresponding passageway and each first contact has a first contact portion in a front portion thereof. Each second contact includes a second beam (223) received in a corresponding passageway and each second contact includes a second contact portion in a front portion thereof. The first beams of the first contacts and the second beams of the second contacts are alternatively arranged in the passageways.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seal for an electric cable that is connected to a second cable in a confined location, in which a first and second lengths of insulated electrical cable extend into a confined location and a connector connects the first and second lengths of cable, and a method for forming such a seal. A thin layer of conductive material covers a first portion of the first length of insulated electrical cable, with a second portion of the insulated electrical cable projecting beyond the conductive material for connection to the connector and providing an exposed end of the conductive material.

Abstract: An electrical connection device for supplying power to a bushing that delivers filaments, especially glass filaments. The device includes a connection jaw clamp and an electrical connection piece with no protective sheath and including a flexible body, having one end that is connected to the jaw clamp and a free opposite end.

Abstract: A receptacle includes: a receptacle housing defining a pair of prong-inserting slots for extension of a pair of prongs of a plug therethrough and into the receptacle housing; a pair of conductive terminals mounted in the receptacle housing and adapted to be connected to the prongs of the plug; and a lock unit including a latch mounted movably in the receptacle housing and operable to move between a locked position, in which the latch is adapted to engage one of the prongs of the plug, thereby preventing undesired removal of the plug from the receptacle housing, and an unlocked position, in which the latch is adapted to disengage the plug, thereby permitting removal of the plug from the receptacle housing.

Abstract: The watercraft described herein is a surfboard, skim board, dive board, or boat having a propelling fin driven by a standing surfer or boater with an upward and downward stroke which may be used to propel the watercraft by an upward and downward fin motion. The surfboard and dive board in particular are used on water and may be used to ride ocean swells and waves. The surfer or diver stands on the board and moves a vertical handle upwardly and down-ward. The lower end of this handle is pivotally attached to a parallel bar device having attachment means to the board at a forward end of the parallel bar device and having attachment means to a fin at the aft ward end of the parallel bar device. The fin is generally horizontal and is driven thru the water up and downwardly by the standing user and propels the board forward at higher rates of speed than can be achieved by prone-paddling.

Abstract: A personal watercraft includes a saddle ride type seat provided at a roughly central portion of a watercraft body, an engine mounted on the lower side of the seat and directed in a front-rear direction of the watercraft body, and cylinders provided in the engine are arranged in the front-rear direction of the watercraft body. First to fourth intake pipes communicated with the cylinders are extended from a side surface of the engine, and an air box containing the intake pipes is provided in a space between the engine and a left side wall. The air box includes a box main body and a cover body, and the cover body is disposed facing toward the left side wall. The left side wall facing toward the cover body is provided with an opening, and a side cover is provided to be capable of being fitted to and detached from the opening. Maintenance or inspection of intake system equipment can be easily carried out with the aforementioned personal watercraft.

Abstract: A comfort hand grip for a shaft comprises a tubular member formed of a closed cell resilient polymer material core; and a water resistant coating on each side of the core. The comfort grip is sized so as to be slightly stretched when positioned on a shaft, and includes an indexing mark for proper orientation of the paddle. The resilient polymer core may be formed of a rubber, and the coating of an ultraviolet resistant flexible material such as nylon. The hand grip may be formed from a die cut generally rectangular piece of material which is formed into the tubular structure by at least one of, for example, stitching which joins the opposite sides to one another; a lace through openings in joining portions of the material along the sides; a zipper having a side along each of the joining portions; and a set of hook and loop closures on opposite ones of the joining portions.

Abstract: An inflatable buoy launch and retrieval system comprises an underwater platform, a launch/retrieval tube within the underwater platform, and a mechanism for ejecting and retrieving an inflatable buoy from the launch/retrieval tube. The ejection mechanism comprises a reel within the tube for unwinding a length of a tether attached to the buoy and a mechanism for introducing a high pressure gas into the tube.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a device which provides buoyancy to objects with negative buoyancy in water. The invention comprises a water-sensitive trigger which, when activated, causes a compressed gas to exit a canister and enter a balloon, which expands, thereby causing the object to float, in cases where the device is attached to an item on a boat, or rise to the surface, in cases where the device is attached to a sunken object. There are a number of variable characteristics, including canister size, trigger fuse length, balloon configuration, and housing material that allow a user tremendous flexibility in selecting a proper size of the invention for the user's intended purpose. Other iterations of the invention provide breathing air for underwater purposes and means of keeping cars, boats, airplanes, etc., floating when they fall into water.

Abstract: The present flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft with the rider in a seated position. The flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider. The seat preferably includes a flexible C-shaped member for absorbing impacts during use. An elongate strut extends downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The present flying ski also accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski. In particular, the rider can control stability, lift and maneuverability ski characteristics to accommodate the rider's particular skill level and the particular challenge that the rider seeks.

Abstract: A towable structure is configured to be towed behind a boat while floating above the surface of a body of water. In one implementation, the towable structure has a platform for supporting one or more passengers thereon extending between or otherwise supported by at least three water engaging base members. The base members are buoyant to extend above the surface of the body of water. The platform extends from a location sufficiently elevated on each of the base members so that the platform stays out of the water under normal operation when unloaded and when supporting one or more passengers.

Abstract: A hula-hoop is disclosed to include a hula-hoop body that is formed of two symmetrical halves that can be collapsed when not in use or locked in shape when in use, a plurality of sliding members respectively coupled to and movable along the periphery of the hula-hoop body, and weights selectively mounted in the sliding members.