Abstract: The present invention relates to melting plate candles which employ heat conductive elements to distribute heat from a burning flame at a wick to a support plate for a solid fuel and to the body of said solid fuel, so as to more rapidly liquify the solid fuel, such as paraffin wax, and to more uniformly and intensely heat such fuels to increase the efficiency of consumption thereof and to more rapidly release volatile materials contained within said fuels. The heat conductive support plate is configured so as to have a capillary lobe upon the surface thereof, which cooperatively engages a wick holder comprising a preferably consumable wick and heat conductive fins which conduct heat from a flame upon said wick to said support plate, said wick holder further engaging said solid fuel, and said support plate being configured so as to cause the flow of liquified fuel to the wick holder.

Abstract: An improved edgewise orthodontic bracket is disclosed. In one embodiment, a bracket comprises a single pair of opposing T-shaped tie wings which define an archwire slot therebetween. Notches are provided on each of the mesial and distal sides of the center leg of each T-shaped tie wing for selectively receiving a ligating device. The notches are defined in the gingival/occlusal edges of the tie wings and comprise sloped portions that extend labially towards the archwire slot. Convex sidewall portions and convex floor portions are provided in the archwire slot adjacent to the notches. The body of the bracket is interconnected to a base that includes a continuous series of characters that serve as texturing to facilitate bonding of the bracket with a tooth. A discontinuous perimeter rail may be used at the edge of the base. A method for forming a bracket is also provided.

Abstract: Orthodontic brackets are manufactured from at least one type of crystalline polymer that enhances the physical properties of the brackets. In one aspect, orthodontic brackets according to the invention may comprise at least one type of polyaryletherketone or crystalline polyamide. Fibers, fillers, flow additives and other components may be added as desired. One or more amorphous polymers may be blended with the crystalline polymer. Crystalline polymers are especially well-suited for the manufacture of self-ligating orthodontic brackets that include a bracket base and ligation cover so as to provide sufficient strength for the bracket base and ligation cover while also providing sufficient flexibility for the hinge element to bend or flex.

Abstract: A drill set for adjusting an implant hole for a self-tap dental screw implant fixture comprises with a diameter d2 at the point of a cutting blade equivalent to a diameter D3 of the tip end of the fixture, a diameter d1 at the back end of the blade equivalent to the maximum root diameter of a first male screw 1e or smaller, and a length l1 of the blade larger than the entire length L1 of the fixture 1, and the second drill 3 with a diameter d5 at the point of a tapered tip end cutting blade 3b equivalent to the diameter D3, and a diameter d3 at the back end of a tapered back end cutting blade 3a equivalent to the maximum root diameter of the first male screw 1e and smaller than the maximum crest diameter thereof, both the blades 3a, 3b forming two-step taper shape.

Abstract: A computer or other digital circuitry is used to assist in the creation of a digital model of an individual component, such as a tooth or gum tissue, in a patient's dentition. The computer receives a data set that forms a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the patient's dentition, applies a test to the data set to identify data elements that represent portions of the individual component, and creates a digital model of the individual component based upon the identified data elements. Many implementations require the computer to identify data elements representing a 2D cross-section of the dentition lying in a 2D plane that is roughly parallel to or roughly perpendicular to the dentition's occlusal plane. The computer analyzes the 2D cross-section to identify dentition features that represent boundaries between individual dentition components.

Abstract: A dental treatment system used to treat (e.g., bleach) a person's teeth. The inventive system includes an inner dental treatment tray having a tray configuration so as to fit over at least a portion of a person's upper or lower dental arch. The inner dental treatment tray is sufficiently thin and flexible so as to at least partially conform to a person's teeth without heating when used in combination with a dental treatment and/or adhesive composition. The dental treatment system includes an outer support tray positioned adjacent to the inner dental treatment tray so as to maintain the inner dental treatment tray in the tray configuration prior to placement of the inner dental treatment tray over the person's teeth. The dental treatment system also includes temporary adhesion means (e.g., a weak adhesive) for maintaining the outer support tray adjacent to the inner dental treatment tray prior to and during placement of the inner dental treatment tray over the person's teeth.

Abstract: A website provides a weight and nutritional program over a network. The website allows users to input an assessment of a subject, which can be used to generate a weight plan for the subject. The weight plan can include minimum weights for the subject, each of the minimum weights being associated with a time. The website can also be used to generate a nutrition plan based on the subject data entered. A subject can build the nutrition plan by responding to a series of food exchange item prompts.

Abstract: A process for spatially distributing a population count within a geographically defined area can include the steps of logically correlating land usages apparent from a geographically defined area to geospatial features in the geographically defined area and allocating portions of the population count to regions of the geographically defined area having the land usages, according to the logical correlation. The process can also include weighing the logical correlation for determining the allocation of portions of the population count and storing the allocated portions within a searchable data store. The logically correlating step can include the step of logically correlating time-based land usages to geospatial features of the geographically defined area. The process can also include obtaining a population count for the geographically defined area, organizing the geographically defined area into a plurality of sectors, and verifying the allocated portions according to direct observation.

Abstract: A method for testing a working memory and fluid reasoning of a subject includes the step of sequentially presenting to a subject a first plurality of images, wherein each image is positioned in a different sector of a display device. The first plurality of images totals one fewer than a total number of sectors. Next the subject is simultaneously presented with a second plurality of images. One of the second plurality of images bears an analogous relationship to the first plurality of images. The subject is then asked to select an analogous image from the second plurality of images.

Abstract: A practice device to enable children to simulate skateboarding in a safe manner so the children can practice sliding the practice device on a surface and balancing themselves on the device. The device comprises a center section, a front section and a rear section where the front and rear sections are at an angle to the center section and the bottom surface of the device is entirely smooth to facilitate the movement of the device on a surface. The upper surface of the device has a lowered interior area surrounded by a circumferential ridge.

Abstract: A mass casualty disaster training system includes a plurality of manikins (mannequins) arrangeable to simulate a plurality of victims of a mass casualty disaster, and indicia associated with the plurality of manikins indicative of predetermined physical or medical conditions associated with the mass casualty disaster. A method for training for mass casualty disasters includes arranging a plurality of manikins to simulate a plurality of victims of a mass casualty disaster; and simulating triage and treatment of the plurality of manikins.

Abstract: Connector devices that provide multiple degrees of freedom of motion between a first connector head and additional connector heads and/or electronic devices are described. The multiple degrees of freedom of motion permit motion in one or both of two planes and, perhaps, rotation about an axis in a controlled and fixed manner. Such connector devices allow peripheral devices to be folded or rotated in close proximity to a hosting device. Connector devices that incorporate circuitry for implementing distribution/hub functionality are also described.

Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting a pair of separated PCBs, includes a female connector (1) and a male connector (2) respectively connectable to the two PCBs. The female connector includes a first insulator (10) and a number of female terminals (11). Each female terminal has a resilient contact section (114) provided with three compressible portions (1141) with a contacting end (115) formed thereon. The male connector includes a second insulator (20) and a number of male terminals (21). Each male terminal is formed with a fixing portion (213) and a connection portion (214) capable of contacting with the contacting end.

Abstract: A conductive structure and method of manufacturing therefor includes a plurality of stacked metal laminates secured to one another via an intermetallic bond made from a metallic bonding agent.

Abstract: Printed boards are arranged vertically such that the outer circumferential part of an upper printed board projects outward beyond the outer circumferential part of a lower printed board, and the projected outer circumferential part is contained in a printed board holding case while being arranged on the horizontal step part thereof. The press fit electric contact part at the second vertical part of a press fit terminal is brought into press fit contact with a conductor terminal hole at the circumferential edge of the lower printed board. On the other hand, the first vertical part is extended along the vertical outer surface of the printed board holding case and a press fit electric contact part is brought into press fit contact with a conductor terminal hole at the circumferential edge of the upper printed board.

Abstract: An electronic device having one or more integral connectors is disclosed. The connector includes an electromagnetically-shielded cavity defined by an outer shell integrally formed in the housing and having a cross-sectional profile of a plug to which the connector may mate. The connector also includes a tongue integrally formed in and extending from a component (such as a printed circuit board) of the electronic device and protruding into the cavity. The tongue may have one or more electrical contacts on one or both sides. The connector may also include one or more snap features for retaining a mated plug at a predetermined force. The connectors may conform to one or more connector standards, such as the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard and/or the IEEE 1394 (FireWire®) standard. Devices incorporating such integral connectors may be smaller and manufactured less expensively than devices having conventional, non-integral, connectors.

Abstract: A plug connector for a circuit board connection possesses a plug strip and a plug part that includes a socket housing projecting on the plug side. The socket housing possesses a generally rectangular basic cross section with longitudinal sides opposite each other on both sides, and a face side located between them. Insertion guide holes with adjacent plug receptors for contact pins are located on this face side, such pins being positioned on the plug strip with matching alignment. In order to be able to join the plug part and the plug strip along at least two insertion directions offset from each other by 90°, and to ensure a solid mechanical connection of the plug part independent of insertion direction, first the plug strip is formed as an angle strip with a first strip shoulder and a second strip shoulder perpendicular to it, and the contact pins are mounted either on the first or on the second strip shoulder.

Abstract: The present invention prevents a connection defect of a connector. In an electronic device which includes a film-like wiring board and a printed wiring board on which a connector is mounted, the film-like wiring board includes a projecting portion which projects to a side opposite to the printed wiring board at a position where the film-like wiring board is exposed from the connector into which the film-like wiring board is inserted.

Abstract: Several embodiments of stress metal springs are disclosed, which typically comprise a plurality of stress metal layers that are established on a substrate, which are then controllably patterned and partially released from the substrate. An effective rotation angle is typically created in the formed stress metal springs, defining a looped spring structure. The formed springs provide high pitch compliant electrical contacts for a wide variety of interconnection systems, including chip scale semiconductor packages, high density interposer connectors, and probe contactors. Several embodiments of massively parallel interface integrated circuit test assemblies are also disclosed, comprising one or more substrates having stress metal spring contacts, to establish connections between one or more separated integrated circuits on a compliant wafer carrier.

Abstract: A fuel tank component has a weldable connector that is connected to a housing via a secure chemical bond. The connector and the housing are modified so that they bond to each other. The interface between the connector and the housing may be stepped to increase its surface area and thereby increase the strength of the chemical bond. The chemical bond in the inventive valve eliminates the need to include complex interlocking geometries in either the connector or the housing and reduces the complexity of the tooling needed to mold the component.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements to adapt an electronic system to attenuate electrostatic discharges of a cable as the cable is connected with a connector on the electronic system are disclosed. Embodiments may include an adapter to couple with a connector of an electronic system. The adapter may momentarily interconnect conductors of a cable with a selected conductor of the connecter to discharge to attenuate or discharge an electrostatic charge built up on the conductors of the cable. In some embodiments, the adapter includes a selector switch so the selected conductor can be selected based upon the electronic system. In other embodiments, the selected conductor is fixed.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements to methods and arrangements to attenuate electrostatic discharges of a cable are disclosed. Embodiments may include connectors with discharge elements integrated into the connectors to interconnect conductors of a cable to attenuate or discharge an electrostatic charge built up on the conductors. In some embodiments, the conductors are momentarily connected to ground as the connector couples with another connector to interconnect a cable with, e.g., a computer. In further embodiments, the discharge elements interconnect the conductors of a cable to redistribute an electrostatic charge and thereby minimize the impact of a discharge when the cable couples with an electronic system such as a computer. Another embodiment comprises a male connector with discharge elements, which ground conductors of the cable as the cable is being inserted into the connector. The discharge elements are pushed out of the way of the conductors as the conductors couple with the connector.

Abstract: The invention concerns a contact safety device for pin-and-socket connectors with an inserted state and a preassembled state, in which a safety mechanism is provided in the contact safety device to secure ignition contacts of the primer against interference and that safety mechanism comes into contact with a shorting bar in such a way that when/after the shorting bar is separated, the safety mechanism automatically goes into operation.

Abstract: A lampholder has an inner part centered on an axis and formed with a radially extending and axially open inner slot having a predetermined small width. It also has an outer part surrounding the inner part and formed relative to the axis with a radially extending and axially open outer slot of a predetermined large width. A lamp pin of a width greater than the small width but smaller than the large width cannot slide through the outer slot into the inner slot. The inner part is separable from the outer part.

Abstract: A land grid array (LGA) connector (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an insulative housing (2), a stiffener (3) coupled to the housing, and a plurality of ribs (23) projecting from a periphery edge of the housing. The stiffener defines an opening (31) for surrounding the housing. Each of the ribs has a base defining a mating surface (2321) and a mounting surface (2312). The stiffener is coupled to the housing by the rib mating surface abutting against a wall face (32) of the stiffener opening, and the rib mounting surface resting on a peripheral edge (320) of the stiffener that defines the opening. As such, a reliable coupling between the stiffener and the housing is achieved, thereby having no possibility of releasing the housing from the stiffener by an external, improper force.

Abstract: In an electrical socket including a base for receiving a connection object in a predetermined direction, a plurality of contacts are held by the base and adapted to be contacted with the connection object. A pusher is rotatably held by the base and has an acting portion and an operating portion which is adapted to be operated. The pusher is continuously urged by a spring so that the connection object is brought into press contact with the contact via the acting portion. A cover is coupled to the base to be movable in the predetermined direction. One of the cover and the operating portion has a contact surface faced to the other in the predetermined direction. The other of the cover and the operating portion has a roller adapted to roll on the contact surface following the movement of the cover.

Abstract: A land grid array integrated circuit (LGA IC) connector uses a pressing rod assembly linked with a cover for opening/closing operation. The LGA IC connector includes a first tooth and a second tooth driven by a first post and a second post of a positioning section to enhance the rotation angle thereof. A sufficient pressure can be provided with smaller operation angle of the pressing rod and cover, thus facilitating operation. A protection board is assembled to the terminal stage and then arranged on a frame. A V-shaped spring element is provided between the protection board and the terminal stage such that the protection board is higher than the terminal to protect the terminal. The terminal can be protected from deformation. In the present invention, the terminal is received in the terminal hole and the annular cone at terminal tail can clamp the solder ball.

Abstract: A cable connector has male and female connector portions that slide together in a mating direction. The housing of one connector portion has a shoulder with a surface roughly perpendicular to the mating direction. The other connector portion has a resilient retainer spring attached thereto which extends parallel to the mating direction. When the connector portions are mated, the retainer spring has a finger which slips over the shoulder surface and is held in position by the resilience of the spring to provide a retention force that resists a separation of the male and female connector portions. However, the finger is shaped and resilience of the retainer spring is such that the finger will slip off the shoulder surface upon application of a sufficiently large separation force so that separation of the connector portions may occur without damage.

Abstract: The modular connection assembly comprises a connector (4) made of insulating material, a conductor connecting bridge (10) and a fixing and contact member (9); the connector (4) has side socket members (5) to relate to similar units (4) and it also includes passages (6)(7)(8) for cables (3), for bridges (10) and for fixing members (9); the bridge (10) includes modular sections (10a) and threaded holes (10b) for the fixing member (9); which are screws ending in contact ends (9a) able to perforate the sheath (3a) of the conductor cable (3) and contact it. The side socket member (5) allow the group of several connectors (4) integrated in a modular connection set. The conductor cables (3) are inserted into the first passage (6) of the connectors (4). The bridges (10), after cutting and separating the unnecessary modular sections (10a), are inserted into the second passage (7) of the connectors (4).

Abstract: A power connector assembly (100) includes a housing (2) defining a number of passages (23, 24), a circuit board (4) assembled to the housing and including a pair of LEDs (42) capable of being actuated to emit light, a number of contacts respectively received in the passages of the housing, a cable (6) electrically connecting with the circuit board, a rear cover (7) assembled to the housing to enclose the contact, the circuit board and front end of the cable, and status indicator means (81, 82) aligning with the LED of the circuit board and enclosed by the rear cover to spread the light emitted from the LED outwardly for indicating normal status between the power connector assembly and a complementary connector. The contacts include a power contact (31), a ground contact (32) electrically connecting with the circuit board and a detect contact (33) electrically connecting with the LED of the circuit board.

Abstract: A motor vehicle glass pane has an electrical arrangement (3) with conductor junction areas (2) arranged one beside the other an one surface of the pane (1). A connecting element is provided which is connected to the conductor junction areas (2) and which is intended to connect the electrical arrangement (3) to a device an the motor vehicle for processing signals or voltage supply. The connecting element comprises a plug or clamping connector (10) for a flat Gable (30) which comprises a number of conductors insulated from one another. The plug or clamping connector (10) comprises an insulating flat body (11) incorporating a slot-shaped Gable fixture (12) arranged basically parallel to the surface of the pane. A flat Gable (30) with one free end (31,32) may be datachably inserted into the Gable fixture.

Abstract: A battery contact mechanism energizing a battery in a direction of one electrode of the battery by making pressure contact between a conductive contact member and the other electrode of the battery, includes a torsion coil spring. A rotational force is given to the contact member by the torsion coil spring. The contact member is provided separately from the torsion coil spring.

Abstract: A hanging lamp conversion connector for supporting a suspended lamp, and which can threadedly engage within the socket of a recessed lighting fixture, once its lamp has been removed, provides for an instant conversion of a recessed light or ceiling socket to a hanging lamp, for installation within any facility. It includes a housing, of a light socket, into which a single or double threaded plug may locate, and which provides an upward orientation of the upper threaded plug with a light socket for threading directly into the recessed lighting fixture, for installation. Such a connector can be easily removed, by unthreading the lamp and the lamp can be replaced with another, or a different reflector, or shade, to add to the variety of uses and multiple displays associated with a variety of suspended and hanging lamps.

Abstract: An electrical contact having a body portion and an curvaceous tail portion extending from the body portion is disclosed. The tail portion may include first and second curved portions defining first and second points of contact, respectively. The first and second points of contact may be offset from one another in a direction of insertion and may be separated by a distance measured perpendicular to the direction of insertion. The distance may be greater than the diameter of a through-hole into which the contact is intended to be inserted. At least a portion of the tail portion may be adapted to rotate upon insertion into the through-hole. The tail portion may exert a force on the sidewalls of the through-hole sufficient to retain the electrical contact in the through-hole. The tail portion may also include a sharp tip that digs into the through-hole plating, thereby impeding movement of the tail portion in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion.

Abstract: An adaptable electrical connector is disclosed that includes a parallelepiped insulative seat including a front end, a rear end, a bottom, a top, and a plurality of lengthwise parallel grooves through the bottom, the groove being open to the front end, the rear end, and the bottom respectively; and a plurality of cylindrical conductors each including a rear cylindrical section; wherein the conductors are fastened in the grooves with the rear cylindrical sections exposed. The invention can decrease height and is adapted to mount on a PCB in either a first orientation or a second orientation perpendicular to the first orientation.

Abstract: A shield connection between a pc-board for electrical and/or electronic components located in a housing and at least one connector socket located in a wall of the housing with a metal cylindrical socket casing that passes through the housing wall includes a receiving device for a plug with a corresponding metal coupling component, which is electrically connected with the shield of a cable connected to the plug. To create a shielded connection, the shield potential is automatically distributed further by the connection to the housing The shield connection consists of a metal ring-shaped shield element, which includes contact pins for the electrical and mechanical connection with the pc-board. The contact pins each protrude from the ring plane on the one ring side, with the spring tongues protruding on the other side of the ring for electrical and mechanical contact with the socket casing.

Abstract: A high-frequency apparatus includes a shielding plate that electrically shields any of a plurality of terminals protruding from a frame. An exposed portion of the terminal disposed between the frame and a motherboard is shielded by the shielding plate. Therefore, especially, a terminal that is likely to be adversely affected by an external wave can be electrically shielded by the shielding plate, the entry of an interfering wave into the terminal can be prevented, and high performance can be achieved.

Abstract: An electrical card connector for receiving two electronic cards (7, 8) different in sizes and shapes comprises an insulating header (1), a plurality of electrical contacts (5) retained in the insulating header (1) and each having an engaging portion (51) for electrically connecting with an inserted card (7, 8), and a metallic shell (3) covering on the insulating header (1). The metallic shell (3) further has a top wall (31) providing at three elastic pieces (311, 312, 313). Wherein the width between a first and second elastic pieces (311, 312) accords with the width of a first card (7), and the width between the first and a third elastic pieces (311, 313) accords with the width of a second card (8).

Abstract: A card connector comprises an insulating housing having a first card receiving slot provided with a plurality of contacts. At least one elastic projection extends into the first card receiving slot. The elastic projection is formed to have a first inclined surface that rises at an inclination in a card insertion direction and a second inclined surface that rises at an inclination in a card removal direction. The second inclined surface is steeper than the first inclined surface. A first card electrically connected to the contacts. The first card is removeably receivable in the first card receiving slot and has a flange protruding from a main surface thereof. The flange is formed to engage the first inclined surface when the first card is inserted in the first card receiving slot and to engage the second inclined surface when the first card is removed from the first card receiving slot.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed, including a rugged electrical connector supporting an external bus protocol including a power signal; a backshell canister mated to the electrical connector; an active electronic component housed in the canister; and an electrical connection between the active electronic component and the rugged electrical connector.

Abstract: A transmission board (10) comprises a frame body (30) and a surface board (20) supported by the frame body (30) and having a transmission circuit. The frame body (30) has plugging edges (33, 34) that project from the edges of the surface board (20) for guiding the terminals of mating connectors to connection pads on the surface board (20). The plugging edges have guiding slopes 33A and 33B, and 34A and 34B. At least the plugging edges of the frame body (30) are made of a metal or resin molding.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a main housing having a forward mating face and a rearward mounting face, and a plurality of contact modules received in the main housing. Each contact module includes an upper contact module and a lower contact module joined to the upper contact module along side edges of the upper and lower contact modules. Each upper and lower contact module includes a contact housing holding rows of contacts including pairs of signal contacts and individual ground contacts.

Abstract: A method for converting an electrical connector to provide an insulated opening, including the steps of providing an electrical connector including a conductive block having at least one cavity having an upwardly oriented opening and a closed bottom, and an insulating outer coating at least partially surrounding the block, forming a hole through the bottom, and positioning an insulative sleeve through the cavity and the hole so as to provide an insulated passage extending through the electrical connector.

Abstract: A hydraulic switch body (1) has a metal plate (10) and a resin main portion (20) molded on a first surface (13) of the metal plate (10). A hydraulic switch (2) and busbar circuits (30) are mounted in recesses (21) of the main portion (20). Grooves (22) connect the recesses (21) and the outer peripheral edge of the main portion (20) to release a tensile stress created at the outer surface (14) of the main portion (20) due to a difference between shrinkage ratios of resin and metal during the resin molding to prevent the hydraulic switch body (1) from warping. The lengths of the grooves (22) are shortened by using the recess portions (21). Therefore, the grooves (22) are less likely to hinder the arrangement of other structural parts.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first conductive member having a first hook portion and a first base portion, wherein the first hook portion extends from the first base portion, and a second conductive member having a second hook portion and a second base portion, wherein the second hook portion extends from the second base portion. A wedge member is nested between the first and second base portions, wherein the wedge member is movable in a loading direction. The wedge member drives the first and second base portions away from one another as the wedge member is moved in the loading direction. The first hook portion and the second base portion cooperate to securely engage a first conductor therebetween, and the second hook portion and the first base portion cooperate to securely engage a second conductor therebetween.

Abstract: An electrical contact (1) include a retention portion (11), a solder portion (12) bending from a bottom edge of the retention portion (11), a head portion (13) extending upwardly from the retention portion (11), a spring arm (14) extending from a sidewall of the head portion (12) and a contact portion (144) formed at a topmost end of the spring arm (14). The spring arm (14) includes a body section (141) connecting with the head portion (13) and a stretching section (143) adjacent the contact portion (144), an extending portion (142) connecting the body portion (141) and the stretching portion (143). The stretching section (143) defines an elongate channel (1430), which makes the contact (1) have a preferred flexibility and an improved capability.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a warning of propeller rotation or CO/CO2 hazard in a marine craft and includes a sensor in communication with the propeller to directly or indirectly sense rotation of the propeller and to generate a signal in response to the hazard, a controller coupled to the sensor to process the signal from the sensor, and a sensory alarm coupled to the controller to generate a warning alarm signal when the sensor returns a signal indicative of a predetermined state of hazard, namely actual rotation of the propeller from a nonzero rpm to a user or factory defined rpm or CO/CO2 levels at or above a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: A cowling assembly for an outboard motor includes a top cowling and a bottom cowling for covering an internal combustion engine for an outboard motor. The top cowling is formed by pressing a nonferrous material. The top cowling includes an opening edge and attaching surfaces of an annular rail are secured to an inner side of the opening edge of the top cowling thereby reinforcing the opening edge and enhancing its mounting strength. Furthermore, a seal formed along an opening edge of the bottom cowling and the opening edge and annular rail of the top cowling provides enhanced sealing by extending the sealing surfaces in different directions.

Abstract: An outboard motor can includes an engine for driving a propulsion device, a cowling for covering the engine, a fresh air intake opening formed in the cowling for drawing fresh air, and an engine compartment defined in the cowling. The outboard motor can have a bottom part defined below the engine compartment, a water collecting part disposed below the bottom part for receiving water that entered the cowling, a water passage for communicating the bottom part and the water collecting part, and a drain hole formed in a bottom portion of the water collecting part.

Abstract: A remote operation system for an outboard motor includes a remote control box installed at a cockpit of the boat and a lever attached to a support shaft that is rotatably accommodated in the remote control box for being manipulated by an operator, a plurality of sensors, such as a potentiometer and a rotary encoder provided to generate outputs indicative of an angle of rotation of the support shaft through the lever manipulation, respectively, and a control unit which controls operation of a throttle actuator and a shift actuator based on at least one of the outputs of the sensors, thereby improving reliability and enabling continued regulation of throttle opening and change of shift position even if a failure occurs in one of sensors.