Abstract: A building component for facilitating a construction of a snow man/woman. A spherically-shaped body is provided that has an outer surface and an interior, the interior substantially lighter than when the interior is filled with snow. An adhesion surface is provided on the outer surface of the spherically-shaped body that substantially increases the ability of the outer surface to adhere snow to the spherically-shaped body. The spherically-shaped body and adhesion surface form a building component for facilitating the construction of the snow man/woman.

Abstract: A cup structure is disclosed.

Abstract: A bubble-squeezing toy includes a hollow body formed of flexible plastics material having low stretchability and an aperture; a liner formed of flexible plastics material having high stretchability and located within the hollow body and having a portion adjacent to the aperture that can stretch through the aperture to form an external bubble upon squeezing of the body.

Abstract: Toys for infants in the form of soothers, mobiles, swings, and gyms are provided with a housing, at least one character carried by the housing for movement relative to the housing, the at least one character having a body and at least one appendage that is carried by the body for movement relative to the body, a drive assembly carried by the housing to simultaneously drive the body of the at least one character to move relative to the housing and drive the at least one appendage to move relative to the body.

Abstract: During planarization of wafers, the thickness of a layer of a wafer is measured at a number of locations, after the wafer has been planarized by chemical mechanical polishing. The thickness measurements are used to automatically determine, from a center to edge profile model to which the measurements are fit, a parameter that controls chemical mechanical polishing, called “backside pressure.” Backside pressure is determined in some embodiments by a logic test based on the center-to-edge profile model, coefficient of determination R-square of the model, and current value of backside pressure. Note that a “backside pressure” set point is adjusted only if the fit of the measurements to the model is good, e.g. as indicated by R-square being greater than a predetermined limit. Next, the backside pressure that has been determined from the model is used in planarizing a subsequent wafer.

Abstract: A polishing layer of a polishing has a window member with a top surface positioned a predetermined distance below the polishing surface. A transparent layer can be positioned below the polishing layer and supporting the window member.

Abstract: Methods are provided for monitoring a CMP process. An exemplary method comprises generating a plurality of thickness measurements of a metal layer using an in-situ eddy current measuring system. The thickness measurements are analyzed to derive a plurality of work piece metrics and the work piece metrics are assessed to determine if a predetermined number is within a predetermined specification. A signal is generated if the predetermined number of the work piece metrics is outside the predetermined specification.

Abstract: A method of removing at least a part of a thermal sprayed wear resistant coating on a gas turbine engine part includes grinding the thermal sprayed wear resistant coating with a superabrasive grinding wheel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing microfeature workpiece surface defects are disclosed. A method for processing a microfeature workpiece in accordance with one embodiment includes removing surface defects from a surface of a microfeature workpiece by engaging the surface with a buffing medium having a first hardness, and moving at least one of the workpiece and the buffing medium relative to the other. After removing the surface defects and before adding additional material to the microfeature workpiece the method can further include engaging the microfeature workpiece with a polishing pad having a second hardness greater than the first hardness. Additional material can be removed from the microfeature workpiece by moving at least one of the microfeature workpiece and the polishing pad relative to the other.

Abstract: The arrow blade sharpening apparatus is best suited for precision sharpening of arrow blades, Exacto® knife blades, and other like edges which require precision and fine honing. The transparent lidded apparatus is motorized and counter rotates drive gears and then ceramic abrasive wheels with a single motor. The slot of the housing and the guide of the blade holder provide for exact sharpening work without the possibility of angle misalignment of the blade-to-wheel contact.

Abstract: An improved drywall corner sander is provided with an elongated body having opposite sides, and a pair of spaced apart braces extending between the sides. An axle is pivotally mounted between the braces so as to define a first longitudinal pivot axis. A tab on the axle defines a second, perpendicular pivot axis. A handle is connected to the tab of the axle so as to be pivotal about the first and second axes for easy operation of the sander without forming grooves in the side wall adjacent the outer edges of the sander. The pivot axes both reside within the cavity defined by the side walls of the sander.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed. The system may include a device for sharpening a convex edge on the blade of a knife. The device may include a resilient material and a plurality of abrasive sheets of varying grit values. Each abrasive sheet may be removably attachable to a top of the resilient material. The method may include placing the blade against the abrasive surface at a small angle with a first side of an edge to be sharpened of the blade contacting the abrasive surface and a spine of the blade elevated above the abrasive surface, applying a downward force on the blade causing the edge to be sharpened to compress the resilient abrasive surface, and moving the first side of the edge to be sharpened along the abrasive surface in the direction of the spine.

Abstract: A device for cutting free the colon of a slaughter animal has a cylindrical cutting knife and a guiding arbor with a suction channel. The device has two components, one of which is a tool and the other a robot connecting plate. The robot connecting plate has a connecting opening for vacuum, a connecting opening for water, a connecting opening for pressurized air to drive the pressurized air motor, and a connecting opening for exhaust air from the pressurized air motor. The connecting openings are connected to associated channels or passages in the tool in the assembled state of the tool and the robot connecting plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for field dressing game. The apparatus includes an anchor and a cord attached to the anchor. The anchor is adapted to be inserted into the ground, and the cord is adapted to be attached to an animal's leg and to the anchor.

Abstract: A processor controlled gaming device having a display device, wherein the display device shows the player an offer, enables the player to keep the offer and provides a predefined number of chances for the player to change a component of or upgrade the offer. The player may use all the chances, wherein the game awards the final offer or keep any one of the initial or intermediate offers. In a general embodiment, the game displays a plurality of masked values and a plurality of displayed values on the display device. The initial offer is a combination and preferably an addition of each of the displayed values. The game in one preferred general embodiment allows the player to select the displayed value to mask and thus remove from the offer and the masked value to reveal and add to the offer.

Abstract: An interactive wagering system is provided that promotes wagering to users at user equipment. The user equipment may be based on a set-top box and television, a personal computer, a cellular telephone with a display, or other such devices. Wagering may be promoted by notifying the user of an opportunity to place a wager on a given race. Wagering may also be promoted by providing the user with an on-screen opportunity to sign up for a wagering television channel or interactive wagering service. The on-screen promotions that are displayed to the user may be targeted based on the television programming that is being displayed or the user's interests. The user's activities may be monitored to collect information on the user's interests. If a particular race or the like is being discussed during a television program, the user may be provided with an opportunity to wager on that race.

Abstract: There are disclosed a game apparatus, game image preparation method and information storage medium that when a player character moves in a three-dimensional game space, sets a plurality of viewpoints in the field of view in which this character is included and prepares a plurality of two-dimensional images with different contents corresponding to their respective viewpoints.

Abstract: In the disclosed invention, correlation information expressing the correlation between a plurality of operation terminal devices and information operable therethrough is generated, and such correlation information is output to the operation terminal devices. Such present invention allows the operators of the operation terminal devices to readily recognize the correlation between the operation terminal devices and information operable therethrough among information handled on an information processing devices.

Abstract: A joint boot, wherein sealing performance of a large-diameter attachment part to an outer casing is enhanced, includes a large-diameter attachment part 2, a small-diameter attachment part 4 and a bellows part 5. The large-diameter attachment part 2 is provided on its inner periphery with plural convex portions 7 and constructed to be capable of externally fitting in plural recessed portions 8 formed on the outer periphery of the outer casing 1. The large-diameter attachment part 2 and the bellows part are formed in separate bodies, and a fit cylinder part 6 is extended at one extremity of the bellows part 5.

Abstract: A convoluted boot (21) for sealing an annular chamber (28) between two articulating and plunging joint parts. The boot includes a first boot portion (22) having a first collar (23) and a second collar (24), a second boot portion (25) having a third collar (26) and a fourth collar (27), wherein the second boot portion (25) is at least partially positioned inside the first boot portion (22) and wherein the third collar (26) has a smaller diameter than the first collar (23), and wherein the first collar (23) is firmly connected to the first one of the parts (12), the third collar (26) is firmly connected to the second one of the parts (15) and the fourth collar (27) is firmly and sealingly connected to the second collar (24), and the fourth collar (27) with the second collar (24) is axially displaceable relative to the second one of the parts (15).

Abstract: A Playing surface (12) that introduces “movement” or “motion” as a fourth dimension to the traditional game of billiards by altering the natural inertia of the billiard balls is disclosed. In one embodiment of the playing surface (12), “motion” is introduced through turning or rotating of a portion (22) of the playing surface (12) of the billiards table (10) in the same plane as the playing surface. By affecting introducing a new element that would affect the inertia of the balls, players would then be required to not only make judgments about the distance, angle and force that the cue ball should strike the target ball, but must also consider how those factors may be effective by the introduction of an element that may alter the typical movement of the balls. Accordingly, players will be faced with moving targets, moving obstacles and the possible redirection and/or change in speed of the target balls as they attempt to hit the balls into the pockets of the table.

Abstract: A moveable gutter for a bowling lane is disclosed. The gutter includes a bumper surface that functions as a bumper when said inner edge is raised from a lower position to a fixed upper position higher than the adjacent lane surface. One or more illumination sources may be disposed along the surface of the gutter and bumper surface. A portion of said bumper surface is approximately parallel with the surface of a bowling ball on the bowling lane when the upper surface is in the upper position.

Abstract: A method of using a bowler's aid on the fingers inserted into the finger grip holes of the bowling ball and used to hold the ball. The bowler's aid is mounted on the finger or hand of the bowler by means of a fastening means. When the bowler's aid is in place, a finger pad finger pad shield is placed opposite the finger pad which may be connected to a load bearing means by a support means. The finger pad finger pad shield assists the bowler in using his or her natural force in the finger against the ball, for example when lifting the ball in its delivery, or in meeting the force of the ball against the finger. The bowler's aid may include a depth limiting means to control the depth of the bowler's finger in the hole of the bowling ball.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing and improving the performance of an athletic motion such as a golf swing requires: instrumenting a user with inertial sensors and video cameras and monitoring a golf swing or such other athletic motion of interest; drawing upon and contributing to a vast library of performance data for analysis of the test results; the analysis including scoring pre-defined parameters relating to component parts of the motion and combining the parameter scores to yield a single, kinetic index score for the motion; providing a real-time, information rich, graphic display of the results in multiple, synchronized formats including video, color coded and stepped frame animations from motion data, and data/time graphs; and based on the results prescribing a user-specific training regime with exercises selected from a library of standardized exercises using standardized tools and training aids.

Abstract: A diagnostic golf club system having a diagnostic golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The diagnostic golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, and a non-volatile memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the diagnostic golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to determine a shaft flex profile for a particular golfer.

Abstract: A collapsible golf club. A head is disposed on a shaft and a coupling replaceably couples an end of the handle to an end of the shaft. The coupling includes a threaded portion extending from the end of the shaft, a stub shaft extending from the threaded portion, a pair of pins extending radially outwardly from the stub shaft, a tube extending from the end of the handle and having a pair of slots and a shoulder, and a sleeve having an internal threaded portion and terminating in a lip. The tube is rotatably captured in the sleeve, up against the internal threaded portion, and is maintained therein by the lip providing a stop for the shoulder, thereby rotatably attaching the sleeve to the tube.

Abstract: A golf putter having a shaft and a putting head connected to the shaft, where the putting head has a first contact surface, a rear wall, a top surface, and a sole. The first contact surface has a concave, partially-spherical face. In a version of the invention, the first contact surface has a first concave, cylindrical face instead of the partially-spherical face. Some versions have a second contact surface opposite the first contact surface. The first contact surface and the second contact surface may have a partially-spherical face, a cylindrical face, or a combination of the two faces. In embodiments with two contact surfaces, the shaft is configured to be reversible such that either contact surface can be used.

Abstract: A golf club head including filler material contained in a bladder disposed in a cavity that is formed in a club head body. A face plate is attached to the body and is arranged for impacting a golf ball. The bladder is located behind the face plate. When the club head strikes a golf ball on the face plate, the filler material dampens vibration which results. In one embodiment, the filler material is compressed air. In other embodiments, the filler material is a gel-like material or a granular material such as sand.

Abstract: The golf ball includes a core, an intermediate layer for covering the core and a cover layer for covering the intermediate layer, wherein the cover layer is formed of a resin composition having a Shore D hardness of 52 or higher and the intermediate layer is formed of a resin composition containing a cation-treated phillosilicate and having a Shore D hardness of lower than 55. This combination provides the golf ball with an enhanced ball distance even in a slow swing speed as well as an improved shot feeling.

Abstract: Pinless molding of a cover (24) for a golf ball (20), and an apparatus and method for manufacturing a golf ball precursor product (22) for use in pinless molding is disclosed herein. Preferably the golf ball precursor product (22) comprises a core (26) and a mantle layer (28). The golf ball precursor product (22) preferably has a plurality of lobes (30) extending from an innersphere (27). The plurality of lobes (30) allow the golf ball precursor product (22) to be centered within a cover mold without the use of pins for centering.

Abstract: A tennis net support stick is retained by a housing that is present on a tennis net support post or stile. A reel may be connected to the tennis net support stick by means of a line, cable, wire or similar apparatus to a pole of precise length, called a support stick, which supports a tennis net at a required distance from the court lines during a singles tennis match. The line, cable, wire or similar apparatus provides a pre-determined distance of the support stick from the tennis net support post, whereas the support stick length ensures a regulation height of the net.

Abstract: A lacrosse head for use with a lacrosse handle includes a frame element including an arcuate wall, a scoop opposing the arcuate wall, and a pair of opposing sidewalls. The sidewalls generally extend between the arcuate wall and the scoop. The frame element has a socket extending rearwardly therefrom for receipt of a handle therein. The lacrosse head has a plurality of net attachment means formed therein for attachment of lacrosse net thereto. The lacrosse head has a pocket area defined by a lower portion of the arcuate wall, the scoop, and a lower portion of each of the pair of opposing sidewalls. The lacrosse head also has a catching area defined by an upper portion of the arcuate wall, the scoop, and an upper portion of each of the pair of opposing sidewalls. The catching area of the head is larger than the pocket area.

Abstract: Racquet for playing a ball, in particular a ball that is to be hit and/or guided. The racquet includes a shaft. One end of the shaft extends into a handle, while a hitting area is provided at the other end thereof. The handle extends so as to deviate from the axis of the shaft on the plane of the hitting area.

Abstract: A cone disc infinitely-variable gearbox including a shaft, a cone disc preferably embodied in one piece with the shaft, a cone disc connected to the shaft in a non-rotating axially-displaceable manner, a bearing ring axially fixed onto the shaft at a separation from the rear face of the displaceable cone disc, a radial inner pressure chamber formed between the cone disc and the bearing ring, which may be altered in the axial direction and which may be pressurized with pressure medium, through an opening embodied in the shaft, for displacement of the cone disc and a radial outer pressure chamber which may be altered in the axial direction and which may be pressurized with pressure medium, through a further opening embodied in the shaft, for displacement of the cone disc.

Abstract: A transfer guide for a high-speed power transmission, which can cancel a change in a transmission chain speed so that smooth transmission timing can be realized and a driving power and vibration noises of the transmission chain can be significantly reduced. A curve track T for a transfer guide 100 for a high-speed power transmission disposed in a transfer position X2 just before a transmission chain, which is traveled at a fixed speed by pressing the chain on the inner circumferential side of the chain with a travel limiting guide R, is meshed with a sprocket S, is defined along an movement passage of the roller C2 in the transfer position X2. Thus, the change in the transmission chain speed is canceled so that smooth transmission timing can be reliably realized and the driving power and vibration noise of the transmission chain can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: In the case of a geared fitting (11) for a vehicle seat, in particular for an automotive seat, having a first internal geared wheel (13), a pinion (21) which is driven by an eccentric (15) and meshes with the first internal geared wheel (13), and a second internal geared wheel (31) in which the pinion (21) meshes, the eccentric (15) forms part of an axial clamping (15, 41).

Abstract: A wedge loading mechanism for an eccentric planetary traction drive in which a roller having a flexibly mounted shaft is positioned between two raceways forming a convergent wedge. Rotation of either of the two raceways wedges the roller within the convergent wedge squeezing the roller between the two raceways thereby transmitting rotational motion and torque between the two raceways. The flexibly mounted shaft generates differences between an effective supporting stiffness of the roller and an contact effective stiffness at the points where the roller contacts the two raceways. The difference in the effective stiffness allow the roller to operate efficiently at smaller convergent wedge angles.

Abstract: A differential gear mechanism, of either the locking Cr limited slip type, including a gear case rotatably disposed within an outer housing and a mechanism to limit rotation of side gears relative to the gear case; this rotation limiting mechanism including a member which is axially moveable between a first position and a second position. The mechanism includes a sensor assembly and a sensor element disposed adjacent the gear case. The axially moveable member includes a sensed portion surrounding an annular surface of the gear case, and disposed between the annular surface and the sensor element, in one embodiment. Movement of the sensed portion corresponding to changes within the mechanism between unlocked and locked conditions results in the sensor assembly transmitting an electrical output. The vehicle control logic can know the condition of the differential mechanism and control certain other parts or functions of the vehicle accordingly.

Abstract: A locking differential having a collar member (35) fixed to rotate with the gear case (11), but free to move axially, and cooperating with a first sidegear (19) to define interdigitated lock members (41,43) operable, when the collar member is locked (FIG. 1), to prevent rotation of the first sidegear relative to the gear case (11). A spring (61) is disposed between the collar member and the gear case, to bias the collar member toward unlocked (FIG. 3). A plurality of actuation members (47) is provided, each having a first end (49) in engagement with the collar member, and a second end (51) in engagement with a ramp plate (53). When the actuating means is in the actuated condition, the ramp plate rotates relative to the gear case, and the actuation members ramp-up on the ramp plate and move the collar member from unlocked to locked.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle powertrain system comprising an electric motor and transmission where the electric motor is operably and selectively coupled to the transmission and adapted to provide an output torque contribution thereto, and the electric motor has a predetermined maximum motor output torque and a predetermined minimum motor output torque which are used to determine a range of permissible control points for at least one transmission control parameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to save fuel and to make efficient use of the possibilities of a power train including a transmission having a continuously variable transmission ratio. If the vehicle velocity exceeds a prescribed velocity the fuel supply to the engine is shut off, kinetic energy of the vehicle is stored in an energy storage device, and the transmission ratio of the transmission is shifted in the direction of a lower transmission ratio. If those measures are not sufficient the vehicle brakes are operated.

Abstract: A duty jumping amount at an actual shift-begin point (SB point) during static shifting is calculated dependent on an automatic transmission fluid temperature and a turbine torque. Therefore, an adjustment of hydraulic pressure supplied to an on-coming clutch at the SB point is optimized, and thereby a shift feel of an automatic transmission may be improved.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control apparatus controls a gear position by engaging and disengaging multiple frictional elements. A hydraulic pressure detector detects hydraulic pressure applied to the frictional elements. A failure determiner determines a failure, i.e., a dual-engagement of the frictional elements in accordance with detection signals of the hydraulic pressure detector. The hydraulic pressure detector detects first and second hydraulic pressure applied to the plurality of frictional elements. The second hydraulic pressure is greater than the first hydraulic pressure. The failure determiner determines a failure in accordance with a detection signals of the first and second hydraulic pressure detected by the hydraulic pressure detector.

Abstract: A torque converter lockup capacity control device is configured to conduct coast-time lockup control during coast-running in order to prevent engine stall, shock from occurring in the output shaft of a transmission due to lockup when a driver releases an acceleration pedal and the running condition switches from a drive running condition to a coast-running condition. Torque converter lockup occurs because the engine output torque drops from a time on when the throttle opening degree becomes zero. Thus, during a period from the time on until fuel cut-in at time, the lockup capacity is lowered to a minimum capacity corresponding to a standby pressure and lockup is avoided. The lockup capacity is raised to a larger value from the predetermined time on, and ordinary coast-time lockup control is executed.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine in which elongate foot pedaling members are rotatably connected to a crank assembly including a pair of diametrically opposed cranks. Toward one end of each foot pedaling member, an arm is pivotally mounted to the exerciser frame and has a free end with a roller that rollably supports the end of the foot pedaling member. A spring is mounted between the frame and each arm. The springs reduce shock and jarring movement for the user as the user traverses generally elliptical paths using the two foot pedaling members.

Abstract: A load applying device includes a rotary member rotatably supported on a base with a spindle, and a magnetic device adjustable concentrically relative to the rotary member, to adjust and to apply a retarding force against the rotary member. A lever may support the magnetic device, and has a curvature corresponding to that of the rotary member. The base includes a casing having two grooves for slidably receiving fasteners which may be threaded to the lever, for guiding the lever to move relative to the casing and the rotary member. Two blocks are engaged with the lever, and a moving device may move the blocks toward and away from each other, to adjust the lever relative to the rotary member.

Abstract: On some embodiments, a vertical stack of weights is disposed beneath a base member, and at least one selector rod is rotatably mounted on the base member and selectively rotated into engagement with a desired number of the vertically stacked weights. On other embodiments, a horizontal stack of weights is disposed on opposite sides of a base member, and at least one selector rod is movably mounted on the base member and selectively moved into engagement with the desired number of horizontally stacked weights. On still other embodiments, these two types of arrangements are implemented in combination. Various methods may be performed using various combinations of these arrangements to provide adjustable resistance to exercise. In one such method, a base member is lifted by grasping a handle that extends longitudinally between first and second weight engaging ends of the base member.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing the damage underlying lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) or medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow), or both lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow), or for treating the damage underlying lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) or medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow), or both lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow). The device comprises a central support (12), and one or more than one extension-adduction apparatus (32) or one or more than one flexion-abduction apparatus (50), or both one or more than one extension-adduction apparatus (32) and one or more than one flexion-abduction apparatus (50).

Abstract: An exercising balance board includes a pedal, and a plurality of balance seats selectively mounted on the bottom of the pedal. Thus, the exercising balance board has an adjustable height by the balance seats and an adjustable curvature by the convex portion of each of the balance seats, so that the exercising balance board is available for users of different statures and requirements, thereby enhancing the versatility of the exercising balance board.

Abstract: A machining center includes a first column, a second column, a crossbeam mounted transversely on the first and the second columns, a tool magazine, an upper tool exchange device mounted on the crossbeam, a lower tool exchange device mounted on the tool magazine and a relay tool exchange device. The tool magazine is mounted near the first column and extends transversely. The relay tool exchange device is mounted on the first column and has a guide device, a frame, a tool case and a driving device. The guide device is mounted on the first column and extends longitudinally. The frame is mounted moveably on the guide device. The tool case is mounted the frame and aligned selectively with the upper and the lower tool exchange devices. The driving device is connected to the frame and drives the frame to approach the upper and the lower tool exchange devices.