Abstract: A metal-wrapped flash-memory-drive device has an integrated slim Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) connector that fits into a standard USB socket. The slim USB connector has 4 metal contacts on a circuit board that is encapsulated by a plastic case. Components are mounted onto the circuit board. A metal wrap conforms to the general shape of a plastic sub-assembly of the plastic case and a plastic cover that enclose the circuit board. The metal wrap can be bent around the plastic sub-assembly in a forming process, or can be pre-formed into a metal tube that the plastic sub-assembly is inserted into. Alignment holes in the metal wrap can fit over plastic stubs on the plastic sub-assembly, or friction can hold the metal wrap to the plastic sub-assembly. The plastic cover and case can be bonded together by molding, ultrasonically, with adhesive films, or using snaps to form the plastic sub-assembly.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals, a holding member and a shielding covering having a latch element, wherein the holding member including a plurality of resilient plates, a coupling portion for coupling the resilient plates, and a pair of extending portions. In assembly, the holding member is inserted into the insulative housing in a direction of the rear face of the insulative housing and therefore the extending portion adheres to the rear face, then the shielding covers the insulative housing in a direction of the front face of the insulative housing and therefore the latch element is inserted through the slot and interferentially contacting the extending portion of the holding member.

Abstract: In a connector including a contact and a housing holding the contact, a shell is coupled with the housing. The housing has a coupling portion to be coupled with a mating connector in a first direction. The contact has a contacting portion disposed in the coupling portion. The shell includes an opening edge defining an opening faced to the coupling portion and a guide portion disposed in the coupling portion to guide movement of the mating connector in the first direction.

Abstract: An electrical connector has a rectangular insulative housing, a plurality of conductive terminals and a grounding plate respectively received in the housing, and a shell covering the housing. Cavities are defined at both sides of the housing and through a front surface and a rear surface thereof. The grounding plate includes a connecting portion, a plurality of contact pins extending from an edge of the connecting portion, and locking portions respectively extending from opposing sides of the connecting portion. In assembly, the grounding plate is inserted into the housing, the locking portions being embedded in the cavities. The shell has rear portions at a rear thereof for covering rear of the cavities thereby fixing the locking portions when assembled. At least a projecting point is formed on the connecting portion and opposite to the contact pins, and reliably contacts the rear portions of the shell for grounding.

Abstract: A cable connector type transceiver module is disclosed. Pads for wire soldering are disposed near a card edge connecting section of the tip of a printed circuit board on the printed circuit board. Pairs of wires of a cable for balanced transmission are extended in the direction of the card edge connecting section over a control IC package. Signal wires at the tips of insulation covered signal wires of the pairs of wires are soldered to the pads for wire soldering at the position near the card edge connecting section rather than near the control IC package.

Abstract: There is provided a communication control IC-incorporating connector characterized in that a communication control IC is incorporated in a housing; an equipment-side connecting portion for connecting the equipment-side lead of the IC to the male terminal of an equipment-side connector is provided in the interior on the front end side of the housing, and a bus wiring-side connecting portion for connecting the bus wiring-side lead of the IC to the electric wire of a bus wiring circuit is provided in the interior on the rear end side of the housing; and in the equipment-side connecting portion, a two-way female connecting terminal in which the equipment-side lead inserting portion of the IC and the male terminal inserting portion of the equipment-side connector are provided alternately is incorporated.

Abstract: A communication adapter for wall-mounting panel to provide better fastness, easy structure, lower production costs and powerful utility includes a casing comprised of an upper lid and a lower lid, a circuit board in the casing, plug and socket connecting to the circuit board, and locking hole on the lower lid to secure the upper lid to the lower lid with a locking pin; a locking tongue being disposed to the lower lid and a hole on the upper lid to allow pulling the locking tongue.

Abstract: Re-configurable electrical connector including a pair of endcaps, a pair of elongate rails, each removably attached at one end to one of the endcaps, and connector modules arranged between the endcaps and including one or more male or female connecting members adapted to electrically connect at a first end to one electrical component or part thereof and at a second, opposite end to another electrical component or part thereof. The connector modules are individual modules in the sense that they are separated from one another. When the rails are detached from the endcaps, each connector module can be moved relative to the rails, i.e., slid off of the end of the rails, to enable different configurations of connector modules to be positioned between the endcaps.

Abstract: A combined connector includes a first housing that has a first terminal receiving chamber for receiving a first terminal and a second housing that is stacked on the first housing and has a second terminal receiving chamber for receiving a second terminal. The first housing includes a retaining projection which projects and inserts into the second terminal receiving chamber to retain the second terminal in the second terminal receiving chamber and a terminal retaining portion which retains the first terminal received in the first terminal receiving chamber and is disposed so as to contact with the second housing in a state that the first housing and the second housing are stacked together.

Abstract: A connector for preventing a load from being applied to terminals, substrates, etc., after sub-connectors are fitted together. The connector has a plurality of first sub-connectors fixed to a substrate and a plurality of second sub-connectors paired with the corresponding first sub-connectors, and includes a male frame having a plurality of accommodating parts in which the second sub-connectors are separately accommodated so as to be freely movable and a female frame to which the male frame fits. The female frame accommodates the plurality of first sub-connectors such that the first sub-connectors are connected to the corresponding second sub-connectors. The connector further includes guide means for guiding each of the second sub-connectors into a connected position relative to the corresponding first sub-connector.

Abstract: A circuit board assembly including a circuit board having at least one conductive element attached thereto and at least one surface mount stud carrier mounted on the circuit board and electrically connected to the at least one conductive element.

Abstract: A marine craft which includes a portable drive assembly temporarily attached to the transom, the portable drive assembly including an elongated drive housing enclosing an upper drive assembly and a lower driven assembly and a timing belt connecting the upper drive assembly to the lower driven assembly. The craft further includes an engine mounting plate attached externally to the drive housing adjacent the upper drive assembly perpendicular to the drive housing. The lower driven assembly also has a propeller shaft at least a portion of which is enclosed within a shaft housing attached to the drive housing adjacent the driven assembly, the shaft housing extending in excess of 18 inches beyond the drive housing, and a propeller attached to the propeller shaft.

Abstract: In a marine transmission, trailing faces of each of a plurality of gear projections extending axially from a forward gear are provided with a rake angle. This rake angle of each trailing face cooperates with an associated surface of each of a plurality of clutch projections to retain a dog clutch in an axial position relative to the forward gear even during periods when a marine vessel is rapidly decelerating and, as a result, the dog clutch moves into driving relation with the forward gear.

Abstract: A ceramic discharge chamber for a lamp, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, comprises a first member which includes a leg portion and a transition portion, wherein the leg portion and the transition portion are integrally formed as one piece from a ceramic material, and a second member which includes a body portion, wherein the body portion is bonded to the transition portion of the first member. The ceramic discharge chamber can be formed by injection molding a ceramic material to form the first member, the first member forming a first portion of the ceramic discharge chamber; and bonding the first member to a second member which forms a second portion of the ceramic discharge chamber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an organic electro luminescence panel by forming a first electrode layer on a substrate; then forming a second electrode layer on the substrate; then forming a passivation layer on the substrate to cover the organic material layer and the second electrode layer; and then radiating either electron beams or ultraviolet rays onto locations other than the previously mentioned light-emitting portion of the organic layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an image forming apparatus having an envelope made of members inclusive of a first substrate and a second substrate disposed at a space being set therebetween, image forming means and spacers disposed in the envelope, the spacers maintaining the space, the method including the steps of forming a spacer having a desired shape by cutting a spacer base member, and abutting the spacer upon the first and second substrates at a non-cut surfaces of the spacer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexible panel is disclosed, which has the following steps. First, a first substrate having a plurality of functional switches or conducting lines thereon is provided. Then, a second substrate is bonded on the functional switches or conducting lines, and the first substrate is thinned to a predetermined thickness subsequently. Afterwards, a flexible third substrate is adhered on the first substrate, wherein the first substrate is sandwiched between the second substrate and the third substrate. Finally, the second substrate is removed.

Abstract: A method for fabricating dielectric encapsulated electrodes. The process includes anodizing a metal to form a dielectric layer with columnar micropores; dissolving a portion of the dielectric layer and then anodizing the resultant structure a second time. The nanoporous structure that results can provide properties superior to those of conventional dielectric encapsulated metals. The pores of the dielectric may be backfilled with one or more materials to further tailor the properties of the dielectric.

Abstract: A toy includes at least two articles. At least one of the articles has a movement or change of condition component which is caused to occur by magnetic attraction between magnets and/or magnetically attractive material via the respective articles when brought into proximity. The movement is created by a drive assembly provided in one of the articles and connected to a magnet or magnetically attractive material such that the movement force can be transferred between the articles via the magnetic attraction.

Abstract: The toy rocket launcher includes an elongated launch tube and a pusher assembly which slides inside the launch tube in an air-tight relationship. A launch head assembly is rotatably mounted on a forward end of the launch tube and has a plurality of launch ports for receiving toy rockets. The forward end of the launch tube assembly includes a small opening which mates with one of a plurality of air passageways in the launch head assembly. Each air passageway connects with a different launch port. As the head assembly is rotated by hand on the launch tube, a flow of air from the launch tube produced by user action on the pusher assembly is directed to successive launch ports, thereby launching successive toy rockets from the launch head assembly.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method, apparatus, and system to synchronize timers or clocks of toys. A play-set includes a first toy having a first timer and a start button. The first toy can be designated as a master when the start button is depressed. After being designated as the master, the first toy sends a synchronization signal to begin synchronization. The play-set also includes a second toy communicatively linked to the first toy. The second toy has a second timer, and synchronizes the second timer to the first timer of the first toy in response to the synchronization signal. After timer synchronization, scripts are selected and a script start signal synchronizes the beginning of script play.

Abstract: A smoke generating device for a model train that includes a smoke generating element supported by a support member. The smoke generating element can be wound around the support member is a generally helical pattern. The number of turns and the distance between turns can be varied to enhance the smoke generating properties of the device. The support member can be braided fiberglass. A length and cross-section of the support member can be varied to support smoke generating elements of different lengths. The length of the smoke generating element can be varied to produce smoke generating devices having different resistive values.

Abstract: The depth of cut and the headstock velocity of a grinding machine are controlled during the last rotation of finish grinding to maintain a substantially constant load on the grinding wheel spindle drive motor. The depth of cut is kept constant and the component speed of rotation is altered in order to maintain the constant power requirement. If the component profile alters the spindle loading during a single revolution, the component speed is altered from one point to another during each revolution so as to maintain the constant load. Headstock acceleration, deceleration, and velocity are controlled to take into account any variation in contact length between the wheel and component during the rotation of the latter, so that although the metal removal rate may vary slightly around the circumference of the component the power demand on the spindle motor is maintained substantially constant during the whole of the grinding of the component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the delivery of slurry solution comprising an ultrasonic flow meter positioned between a fluid preparation manifold and a slurry delivery arm, and a shutoff valve positioned between a proportional valve and the slurry delivery arm. Also, a method and apparatus for the delivery of slurry solution including an ultrasonic flow meter positioned to receive fluid from a fluid preparation manifold, a proportional valve and stepper motor in communication with the flow meter, and a reverse flow restrictor in communication with the proportional valve and a slurry delivery arm.

Abstract: A particulate media/fluid delivery system comprises a tank for containing a supply of particulate media, preferably an abrasive powder. A modulator is disposed upstream of the tank for modulating the pressure of air flowing therethrough. A mixing chamber is adjacent to the tank, and an orifice is provided for delivering particulate media from the tank into the mixing chamber. A fluid inlet delivers fluid from the modulator to the tank, and a bypass tube is disposed adjacent to the fluid inlet for receiving fluid from the fluid inlet and delivering the fluid into the tank. A discharge port is provided for delivering a fluid/particulate media mixture to a tool. Control of the fluid/particulate is via differential modulation pressure. This differential modulation pressure is a function of two mechanisms, namely, the modulator in the system, including bypass (or blend) air around it that is metered, and the aforementioned bypass tube.

Abstract: A disposable sanding device is fabricated as a continuous rope-like article which is adapted for selective segmentation and application as a plurality of serially arranged disposable hand sanding devices or ropes. Each hand sanding device is formed as a generally elongated rod shaped base portion formed of lightweight material such as closed cellfoam having a relatively constant cross-section along its line of elongation. An abrasive surface is permanently applied to the external surface of the base portion via an intermediate adhesive layer. As constructed, the sanding device is operable to conform to curvilinear contours of a work piece to be sanded upon application of user induced loading against the work piece. A dispenser holds a rolled length of sanding rope and includes a cutter feature for severing pieces of sanding rope from the coil as required as well as a retainer for the free end of the coil. A tensioning hand tool holds a severed length of sanding rope for precise applications.

Abstract: Device and method for diffusing a protective flux. In order to protect one area of a service station, a more or less parallel air flow is created in the direction of the area. Above a threshold F, the air flow has a gradually increasing speed V22 and, below the threshold, the air flow speed V21 is more or less uniform along the length of a flow section in a plane P which is transverse to the direction of flow D. One possible configuration for an air flow diffusion device, which allows a confinement barrier to be created, consists of a diffusing wall comprising a main wall and a lateral wall. The main planar wall is adapted to diffuse a main laminar flow in the sterile area to be protected. The lateral wall is adapted to diffuse a lateral flow divergent from the main flow. A skirt is disposed to create an obstacle to the lateral flow and to accelerate the flow by of deflection.

Abstract: A clean grain and tailings conveying system for an agricultural combine, including a pan fixedly mounted beneath a lowermost sieve of a cleaning system. The pan includes a tailings receiving portion disposed below a peripheral edge portion of the sieve, for receiving tailings which fall downwardly from the edge portion during operation of the sieve, and a clean grain receiving portion disposed beneath the sieve for receiving clean grain which falls downwardly therethrough during the operation of the sieve. The pan includes at least one elongate collecting conveyor including a clean grain collecting portion which extends longitudinally through the clean grain receiving portion of the pan, and a tailings collecting portion which extends longitudinally through the tailings receiving portion, for separately receiving and collecting the clean grain and the tailings received by the pan, and conveying the clean grain and tailings to transfer conveyors that can also be part of the pan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving the operation of a grain cleaning system in a combine harvester characterized in that the method comprises the step of adjusting the position of the upper sieve in the grain cleaning system upon registering a deviance from a threshold value for crop material load on the upper sieve such that the material return flow is adjusted. The present invention further relates to a sieve overload control algorithm capable of activating an optimal sieve control action upon registration of a deviance from a threshold value for crop material load on the upper sieve of a grain cleaning system.

Abstract: A crop residue chopper for an agricultural combine, including a housing containing a rotor supporting a plurality of elongate chopper knives for rotation therewith, each of which includes at least one longitudinally extending, integral stiffener extending sidewardly therefrom which, during rotation, can generate an air flow for inducting dust and smaller particles of crop residue into the chopper for discharge from the chopper with the larger elements of the crop residue.

Abstract: The apparatus for directing a flow of air and cotton from a cotton conveyor duct of a cotton harvester into a cotton receiver includes a cover member and a mounting element configured for mounting the cover member to a cotton conveyor duct for movement between a first position located at least partially in a path of a flow of air and cotton discharged through a discharge outlet of the duct, and a second position located adjacent to the path for directing the flow therealong. The cover member when in the first position is movable to the second position by a force exerted thereagainst by a flow of at least air discharged from the duct. A locking element of the apparatus is configured for automatically holding the cover member in the second position, the locking element being automatically operable for releasing the cover member when a downward force is applied thereagainst by the cotton receiver for moving the cover member to the first position.

Abstract: A method of generating a high-level vacuum comprises evacuating a chamber having a substantially-pure gas therein to a medium-level vacuum, and freezing the residual gas to generate the high-level vacuum within the chamber. Impurities, such as atmospheric air, may be purged from the chamber by evacuating the chamber to a medium level vacuum (e.g., around 10?2 Torr) and subsequently filling the chamber with the gas. This purging process may be repeated multiple times to decrease the level of impurities in the gas filling the chamber. The substantially-pure gas may have an impurity-level of less than approximately 100 PPM and may comprise carbon-dioxide, although the scope of the invention is not limited in this respect. The medium level vacuum may range between approximately 1×10?2 Torr and 5×10?2 Torr allowing the use of a roughing pump, and the high-level vacuum may range between approximately 1×10?5 and 1×10?8 Torr.

Abstract: A turning point marker on a power gauge and an impact point object are displayed in a game image. The impact point object is displayed according to the current lie. The turning point marker is positioned away from the left end of the power gauge depending on the difficulty of the shot. The moving direction of a cursor moving along the power gauge is reversed at the turning point marker. With the turning point marker, it is possible to clearly indicate to the player how limited the power available is under the current situation as compared with the situation where the maximum power is available, and thus how difficult it is to play the current situation.

Abstract: A gaming device having a poker game with multiple options for the player to purchase extra cards. In one embodiment a stud five card hand is dealt to the player. The player can keep the five cards or purchase an extra card at a first cost. If the player purchases the first card, the player can thereafter keep the six card hand or purchase a second card at a second higher cost. This cycle is repeated for up to a predetermined number of cards such as five additional cards in one embodiment. When five additional cards are purchased, the game provides any accrued award to the player.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus for conducting a wagering game comprises a video screen for displaying a dynamic video image and a structure for displaying non-video artwork. The video and non-video artworks are visually linked to form an integrated image associated with the wagering game. The structure covers a portion, but not all, of the video screen. Thus, video images on conventional video screens may effectively be blended with non-video artwork to create entertaining and attractive displays.

Abstract: A method for paying a progressive jackpot in a wide area progressive system having a progressive controller linked to groups of gaming terminals. Each gaming terminal using software determines, based upon at least the broadcast current progressive jackpot amount and the received wager, at least one fractional portion of the broadcast current progressive jackpot amount that may be won by the player when a progressive event occurs in play of the casino game of chance at the gaming terminal. The fractional progressive jackpot amount is delivered from the gaming terminal back to the progressive controller where it is deducted before the next current progressive jackpot amount is broadcast.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus for a video game system where the apparatus includes a frame and a seat foldably connected to the frame such that the frame is movable between a storage position adjacent to the seat and an operative position away from the seat. The apparatus also includes an interface associated with one of the frame and the seat for providing user input to the video game system. The transportable apparatus is configured to be easily folded and unfolded and enables users to transport the apparatus to different locations.

Abstract: The game controller including at least one control such as a joystick which includes at least two modes of operation. The game controller includes an invert switch which enables a player to switch between the different modes of operation. In one embodiment, the game controller includes a control which has a normal mode and an invert mode. The normal mode enables a player to move the joystick up or forward to correspondingly move up on the game display or move the joystick down or backward to correspondingly move on the game display. Conversely, the invert mode enables a player to move the joystick up or forward to correspondingly move down on the display and also move the joystick down or backward to move up on the display. The game controller enables the player to switch between the different modes of operation on the game controller itself instead of through the video game system or software for the game.

Abstract: A secure and modular architecture for monitoring and controlling clusters of pay entertainment and gaming devices. The architecture allows flexible and secure use of state-of-the-art multimedia and Internet technologies to attract the younger player generation used to flashy and networked games. Cash or cash-less entertainment and gaming devices are supported.

Abstract: Strengthening a relation between “products” and a virtual space, and improving values of both game characters and the “products” mimicking the characters by stimulating users' affection to original products. In an online game method, a product carrying an ID code assigned thereto and a number of image characters reflecting features of the product and correlated to the ID code are previously prepared, and a user can use the image characters as characters for the online game by inputting the ID code in the online game to register the image characters therein.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper, particularly for use in the power train of a motor vehicle, employs one or more preferably arcuate coil springs having constant inner radii and one or more sets of neighboring smaller-diameter convolutions next to one or more sets of neighboring larger-diameter convolutions. The coil spring or springs is or are compressible by the retainers of two components which can turn, about a common axis, with and relative to each other and at least one of which defines a chamber for the coil spring(s). The retainers of the components can act upon the adjacent end convolutions of the coil spring or of two or more series-arranged coil springs between them by way of plastic slide elements and/or elastic bumpers.

Abstract: A sealing component constructed of silicone compound for use in high-temperature, high-speed and high-angle applications is disclosed. The disclosed silicone material may also be reinforced with fibers for added stiffness and stability.

Abstract: In a resin joint boot installed on an outer housing having a non-circular outer configuration as in a tripod constant velocity joint, assembling properties of its large-diameter attachment part are improved. The large-diameter attachment part of the joint boot assumes at its outer peripheral face a circular form in cross-section and has on its inner periphery plural lobe portions projecting radially inwardly provided in a circumferentially distributed manner. The large-diameter attachment part is formed, at least in circumferentially one place on its opening edge face, integrally with a tongue-like piece in a projecting manner. And on its inner peripheral face, a faying inner peripheral portion of a smaller diameter than that of the outer housing is provided, and at its opening extremity, an upset inner peripheral portion in a straight hole form of a larger diameter than that of the outer housing is provided on the inner peripheral face.

Abstract: A shaft system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The shaft system includes a tube. A constant velocity joint is secured to the tube. The shaft system also includes a plug arranged within the constant velocity joint wherein the plug is secured within the joint by a weld curl that is also used to secure the constant velocity joint to the tube.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a vibration damping shaft of a cue stick comprises a shaft that is configured to form an axially rigid ensemble by mating with another segment of a cue stick. The shaft includes damping material that reduces the vibration of the shaft when a ball strikes the shaft. The damping material may have a density greater than wood. The damping material may be configured as an annular region in the shaft, or in any other configuration that reduces shaft vibration. Damping materials include composites, such as piezoelectric materials, with fibers that are generally aligned to reduce shaft vibration. Another embodiment of the invention utilizes a universal shaft insert, allowing the shaft to fit another segment of a cue stick having a particular joint pin configuration. Features of the a vibration damping shaft may also be incorporated into a cue stick that is not collapsible.

Abstract: A putting practice aid includes a light source to provide a virtual golf hole putting target and a detector to detect a golf ball with respect to the virtual golf hole.

Abstract: A golf club shaft selecting system includes a head speed detecting unit detecting a head speed at impact in a swing of a golfer, a swing tempo detecting unit detecting a swing tempo of the golfer, a chart indicative of a shaft mass and a shaft flex point corresponding to the swing characteristics of each golfer, a selecting unit selecting a golf club shaft suitable for the golfer referring to the chart and based on the head speed and the swing tempo detected by the head speed detecting unit and the swing tempo detecting unit, and a displaying apparatus displaying the golf club shaft selected by the selecting unit.

Abstract: A golf club may have a head that is symmetric about a mid plane. The head may include a generally planar face and a sole, with the face inclined at an angle of at least 10 degrees with respect to the plane of the sole. A shaft having a first bend and a second bend may be inserted into a hosel opening disposed on the head behind the plane of the face.

Abstract: A metal wood golf club head adapted for attachment to a shaft, comprising of a body portion and a crown portion, each portion constructed of a different density material. Combining a high-density material in the body portion, with a low-density material in the crown portion, creates an ultra-low center of gravity relative to the geometric face center, resulting in higher launch angles and spin rate ratios. The material for the crown portion is preferably a composite. A vibration dampening gasket is disposed between the ledge and lip sections of the body and crown respectively.

Abstract: A weight interchangeable golf putter is provided having a T shaped head. The head has a main body constituting the main weight and a striking face. From the trailing edge of the top surface a center tail extends rearward to form the T shape of putter plane. At the sides of the tail there are formed end fins with their free ends opened rearward to better guide the putter head through the air during the stroking address. The top of the back weight extends to near midway of the length of the tail and merges with the bottom of the tail. The back weight has a bottom surface in flush with the corresponding bottom of the main body and terminates with an end wall tapered gradually toward the main body to avoid hitting the ground when strokes are made. Three cylindrical bores are formed facing the same backward direction in the common 90-degree angle from the rear wall to receive different metal screws.