Abstract: A power supply device (10) includes a case (30), a circuit board (50), a plurality of conductive terminals (60), and a plurality of securing members (40). The case includes a bottom plate (32). Each terminal is embedded in the bottom plate and includes a first end portion (66) extending into the case, and a second end portion (64) extending out of the case. The first end portion includes at least one receiving portion (62) disposed on a distal end thereof. Each securing member is mounted on the circuit board and includes at least one protrusion (48) received in the corresponding receiving portion.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing (2) made of an insulative material and a terminal (3) made by bending a metal sheet in its thicknesswise direction and molded together with the housing (2). The terminal (3) has a contact portion (8A) indented from a surface on which a mating terminal (25) slides in its longitudinal direction. The indented contact portion (8A) is made of a curved surface that extends from both side edges (11) of the terminal toward its bottom center.

Abstract: A board-to-board connector includes a receptacle and a plug for inserting into the receptacle. The receptacle includes a receptacle insulator including two opposed side walls and opposed receptacle contacts symmetrically arranged and supported by the two opposed side walls. Each of the two opposed receptacle contacts includes an inverted U-shaped portion and a U-shape-grooved continuity. The plug includes a plug insulator including two opposed insert walls and opposed plug contacts symmetrically arranged and supported by the two opposed insert walls. Each of the two opposed plug contacts includes a U-shaped continuity portion and is inserted into the U-shape-grooved continuity portion to establish electrical connection therewith. When the plug is inserted into the receptacle, the U-shaped continuity portions of the two opposed plug contacts deform the U-shape-grooved continuity portions of the two opposed receptacle contacts resiliently away from the two opposed side walls of the receptacle insulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for contacting an electrical conductor of a cable with a conductor trace (8) of a circuit board (2), characterized in that the device is made as a press-in contact (1) fittable in a hole of the circuit board (2) and securable there without solder and having a press-in part electrically contacting the conductor trace (8) and a contacting region (5) for securing and electrically contacting the end of the electrical conductor of the cable.

Abstract: A contact pin for pressing into a through-connected hole of a printed circuit board is produced by forming. Its press-in portion has two contact legs spaced apart from one another by an elongate opening, are outwardly curved in their central region and, when pressed into the circuit board come to rest with plastic deformation on the wall of the hole. A portion for introduction into the hole includes at least two elongate portions resting on one another during introduction. These portions, after forming and before introduction into the hole adjoin the outwardly open elongate opening like fork prongs. As a formation projects into the opening at an edge thereof to form support regions which, after introduction of the contact pin into the hole, are located inside the hole, a contact pin and a method for the production thereof are provided, by punching in conformity with standards, with optimum extraction forces.

Abstract: A parallel wire is installed on a board. Wire parts of strip-off margins at both ends of the parallel wire are bent so as to form bent portions before the wire parts are inserted into the board. The wire parts inserted into the board are prevented from being removed from the board by the bent portions and soldered to the board, while being moved in a dip bath. The bent portions are respectively formed into substantially U-shapes so that the substantially U-shaped bent portions are oriented opposite each other in a case where the parallel wire is in a flat state before the wire parts are inserted into the board and the substantially U-shaped bent portions are oriented in the same direction after the wire parts are inserted into the board, whereby solder uniformly accumulates on the wire parts to fix the wire parts to the board when the wire parts inserted into the board are moved in the dip bath in said direction.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises two signal contacts, each having an L-shaped body portion, a first contact arm connected to a first end of the L-shaped body portion, and a second contact arm also connected to the first end of the L-shaped body portion. For each signal contact, the first contact arm and the second contact arm define a plug contact receiving space therebetween, and the L-shaped body extends from a first end to a second end opposite the first end. The signal contacts are positioned so that an edge of each of the L-shaped bodies is proximate and opposite the edge of the other signal contact, thereby electrically edge coupling the contacts. The edges of the L-shaped bodies may extend along the entire length of the bodies and along the contact arms, thereby providing electrical edge coupling throughout the length of the contact.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution system comprising: a housing containing a circuit splitting mechanism that splits an original source of electrical power into a plurality of high voltage or amperage circuits; a first modular connector mounted for access on an outside surface of the housing, the first modular connector comprising a plurality of first conductive contacts, each first contact being electrically connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of circuits, the first contacts being mounted in an electrically nonconductive support material that deters manual contact by the user, the first contacts being arranged in the support material in predetermined mating pattern; a second modular connector comprising a plurality of second conductive contacts for mating with the plurality of first contacts, each of the second contacts being electrically connected to one end of a corresponding one of a plurality of wires and mounted in the second modular connector in a pattern complementary to the predetermin

Abstract: An electric plug includes a plug housing, at least two incorporated plug-in contacts that are to be inserted into corresponding jacks of an outlet, and a cable feeder. A manually actuated ejection mechanism encompassing a push-out device is disposed in the plug housing. The push-out device cooperates with a spring in such a way that the spring is biased in the plugged-in state of the plug in order to allow the plug to be automatically removed from the outlet by means of the push-out device when the ejection mechanism is actuated. In order to actuate the ejection mechanism, the same is automatically triggered by pulling on the cable, the tensile force being effective on a strain relief device for the cable, which is located in the plug housing and cooperates with triggering device for actuating the spring-biased push-out device.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for securing a module in an electronic component chassis includes at least one lever arm attached to the module and rotable between a latched and unlatched position, at least a portion of the lever arm having an interference fit with the chassis when the lever arm is in the latched position. The latch mechanism further includes at least one pawl rotably attached to the module such that when the lever arm is moved to the latched position, the lever arm rotates the pawl into a latched position wherein the pawl has an interference fit with the chassis.

Abstract: In an electric connector on a printed circuit board that features a connector part acted upon with relatively high electric voltage values, sparkovers between the continuing strip conductors arranged on the printed circuit board and the soldering points of the electric contacts are prevented by providing a snap-on element with several chamber in the connector part, wherein the chamber walls of this snap-on element can be inserted into slots arranged in the printed circuit board, and wherein the chambers respectively enclose the soldering point of one of the electric contacts in the connector part.

Abstract: A cable connection assembly for coupling a cable to an apparatus. The cable connection assembly may include a main body defining an inner cavity adapted to receive a pressurized fluid and receive at least a portion of the cable. The cable connection assembly may also include an attachment mechanism adapted to couple the main body to the cable and a seal assembly adapted to sealingly couple the main body to the apparatus. The cable connection assembly may also include an inlet port passing through the main body for permitting the pressurized fluid to be injected into the inner cavity.

Abstract: An electrical connector has a contact held by a housing and an operating member for operating the contact. The housing includes an insertion recess into which a shaft-like terminal is inserted along a first direction. A pair of elastic pieces of the contact respectively include clamp portions for clipping the terminal in predetermined clamping directions orthogonal to the first direction. The first direction is along a radial direction of the terminal. The operating member includes a widening operating portion for widening the distance between the clamp portions of the pair of elastic pieces.

Abstract: A luminaire socket is used in spaced-apart pair to receive a light tube therebetween in a luminaire assembly. The light tube has socket caps with contact pins at opposed ends. The luminaire socket comprises: a base connected to a support surface; electrical plugs within the base, the electrical plugs connected to a power source to provide power to a light tube; a socket connector operatively connected to the base, the socket connector having a slot for receiving the contact pins of a light tube in a locking position in which the contact pins of the light tube are in electrical contact with the electrical plugs for actuation of the light tube; and at least one support wall on the rotor connector, the support wall being displaceable to a support position by engagement of the light tube in the luminaire socket to support the light tube when the light tube is accidentally disengaged from the socket connector in the locking position.

Abstract: An electrical connector (22) is provided for terminating a flat electrical circuit (24) to a printed circuit board. The connector includes a dielectric housing (26) having an opening (28) for receiving an end of the flat circuit. A, plurality of terminals are mounted on the housing in a side-by-side array and are spaced along the opening. Some of the terminals have mounting sections (32a) for fixing the terminal in the dielectric housing. Each such terminal includes a tail section (32b) projecting from one end of the mounting, section outside the housing for connector to an appropriate circuit trace on the printed circuit board. A flexible contact arm (32c) projects from an opposite end of the mounting section into the opening. An actuator section (32e) is disposed between the flexible contact arm and the mounting section.

Abstract: A terminal connection structure of a motor incorporated within a compressor for connecting feed terminals for a stator of a motor to the compressor includes a lid, which is attached to a compressor body portion for securing external feed terminals with a hermetic seal. The terminal connection structure is provided with a resin chamber on an inner surface of the lid, through which the external feed terminals extend, and a resin housing containing wire-side terminals, which are provided at ends of wires connected to the stator and which are connected to the external feed terminals. In the structure, superior insulation properties may be obtained even if the compressor size is reduced, and the productivity and assembling performance of the compressor may be improved.

Abstract: A holder for holding a surface contact card (100) includes a receiving groove and a latch structure (20). The receiving groove is defined at one side of the main body (10). The latching structure rotatably engages in the receiving groove and is configured for receiving the surface contact card (30) therein.

Abstract: Component module insertion and removal protection in computer systems. In one aspect, a connector assembly for a component module includes a connector that receives the component module and receives power from a power selection circuit, and a module attachment mechanism operative to secure the component module to the connector when a movable member is in an engaged position. In a disengaged position, the movable member allows the component module to be removed from the connector. When the movable member is moved from the engaged position, the state of a switch of the power selection circuit is changed, causing the power selection circuit to remove power from the connector and from at least a portion of a circuit board to which the connector is electrically coupled.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a base, a cover, and an electrical terminal. The base includes a front section and a rear section. The base includes at least one terminal receiving area. The front section includes a first portion of the terminal receiving area. The first portion of the terminal receiving area extends in a first direction. The rear section includes a first snap-lock ledge and a second portion of the terminal receiving area. The second portion of the terminal receiving area extends in a second direction. The first snap-lock ledge extends along a majority of a length of the rear section. The cover includes a top section and a first lateral side section extending from the top section. The first lateral side section receives the first snap-lock ledge. The electrical terminal is mounted between the base and the cover.

Abstract: An electrical connecting device with a housing, with terminals for insulated conductors, with at least one conductor bar, with at least two actuating elements and with at least two insulation piercing elements, the actuating elements being arranged to be able to turn relative to the insulation piercing elements and each having a conductor receiver for the conductors to be connected. The insulation piercing elements establish electrical contact of a conductor which has been inserted into the conductor receiver to the conductor bar, when the actuating element is pivoted out of a first position, in which the conductor can be inserted into the conductor receiver into a second position. By the conductor receiver being able to have at least two insulated conductors can be inserted therein, the possible applications are further enhanced, and the dimensions of the connecting device can be as small as possible.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer, for example a microphone, with a holder is provided with a block-shaped holder having on the front face a housing chamber housing a microphone main body with its acoustic holes situated on the external face, the microphone main body housed in the housing chamber, a plurality of connection electrodes connected to a plurality of terminal electrodes formed on the microphone main body, respectively, and a plurality of mounting electrodes exposed at each of a front face, a back face and a rear end face in correspondence with the plurality of connection electrodes.

Abstract: A wiring harness connector having a wire divider with a housing that receives wiring from an electrical system of a truck. The wire divider is connected to an electrical adapter that has pins that electrically and physically connect to the wiring system of the truck. The electrical adapter additionally is electrically connected to both a male and female receptacle such that corresponding male or female receptacles may be connected to the electrical system of a truck topper or an auxiliary device.

Abstract: A computer panel with a connector assembly, includes a panel, a connector, and a receiving bracket for fittingly receiving the connector. The panel defines an opening and a slot at one side of the opening. The connector includes a pair of annular securing members respectively extending from two opposite sides thereof. The receiving bracket includes a pair of sidewalls respectively abutting against the two opposite sides of the connector, and a bottom wall supporting the connector thereon. An elastic hook protrudes from each sidewall for respectively engaging with the securing members. A blocking tab extends from a bottom wall of the receiving bracket in a direction parallel to the panel. The panel defines a slot. The blocking tab of the receiving bracket is inserted in the slot and blocked by an inner side of the panel. A fastening member secures the receiving bracket to the panel.

Abstract: A waterproof packing includes: a core member including an electric wire passing part inside and a contacting part for fitting to a mounting side outside; and thermoplastic adhesive adhering to at least the electric wire passing part and the contacting part, wherein the waterproof packing adheres to an electric wire with the thermoplastic adhesive of the electric wire passing part and the waterproof packing adheres to the mounting side with the thermoplastic adhesive of the contacting part by heating. A waterproof connector includes: the waterproof packing; a connector housing for inserting an electric wire having a terminal therein; and a packing receiving part of the connector housing, wherein the waterproof packing is inserted in the packing receiving part as the mounting side.

Abstract: A shroud that forms a guide channel for a connector is disclosed and it has the shape of an inverted U-shape, with a press tab for engaging a mating connector. The shroud has notches and tabs formed on it that serve to orient the mating connector for entry into the shroud. A placement member is also described and it serves to hold the connector and the shroud together as a single unit for robotic placement of the shroud and connector in preselected positions on the circuit board.

Abstract: A configurable width blade assembly for use in a blade server chassis.

Abstract: This invention provides an electrical connector and its fabrication method. The structure of the electrical connector comprises a metallic element, an insulator shell, and a metallic shell. The metallic element comprises a first spring portion extending lengthwise and a second spring portion extending lengthwise in opposition to the first spring portion. The first spring portion and the second spring portion are connected by a near vertical portion. The insulator shell is a hollow rectangular casing which has a fitting portion. The metallic shell is also a hollow rectangular casing and is used to partially clad the insulator shell. The metallic shell has a flexible first slant portion and a flexible second slant portion which extend into the fitting portion of the insulator shell.

Abstract: In a connector in which a plurality of contacts are held by an insulator and have contacting portions and terminal portions opposite to the contacting portions, the terminal portions are arranged in three rows to have a staggered fashion each between adjacent ones of the three rows. In one of end ones of the three rows, the terminal portions are located to have two pitches different from each other. The contacting portions are arranged in two rows and in a staggered fashion and have a pitch in each of the two rows. It is preferable that the relationship A+B=3X(A<B) is given where X represents the first pitch, A representing the second pitch, and B representing the third pitch.

Abstract: A shielded connector includes: a shield member having a braided wire that encloses a bundle of a plurality of wires; a shield shell formed by bending a metal plate member into a cylindrical shape and coupling circumferential end edges of the metal plate member; a caulk ring disposed on an outer circumference of the shield shell to hold and fix the shield member between the shield shell by caulking; and an underlay ring that receives caulking force to be applied to the shield shell from an outer circumferential side of the shield shell when the caulking is performed, the underlay ring being disposed on an inner circumference of the shield shell at a position corresponding to the caulk ring.

Abstract: A power connector (100) includes a dielectric housing (1) defining a number of passages (14) therein, first and second terminals (21, 22) received in the corresponding passages for power transmission, a detecting terminal (20) received in the corresponding passage for signal transmission and a regulating member (4) with specified constant voltage electrically connecting with the detecting terminal for being detected by a complementary connector by detecting the detecting terminal. The first and second terminals respectively served as a positive pole and a negative pole of the power connector.

Abstract: There is provided a fuse block 3 having an insertion port 7 into which a dark current fuse 11 is inserted and adapted to hold the dark current fuse 11 in a mount position, and the fuse block includes a guide surface 8 which is formed within the insertion port 7 in such a manner as to continue from the mount position for the dark current fuse 11 for contact with the dark current fuse 11 and arms formed at positions lying at lateral sides of the dark current fuse 11 in such a manner as to face the insertion port 7 so as to be able to hold the dark current fuse 11 therein when the dark current fuse 11 is in contact with the guide surface 8.

Abstract: A memory card connector includes an insulative housing having a rear terminal-mounting section defining at least part of a receptacle for receiving a mating end of one or more memory cards. A pair of side wall sections extend forwardly from opposite ends of the rear section. A center section extends forwardly from the rear section between the side wall sections. A plurality of conductive terminals are mounted on the rear terminal-mounting section for engaging appropriate contacts on the memory card(s) when inserted into the receptacle. Therefore, a larger-size memory card can be inserted into the receptacle of the rear terminal-mounting section between the side wall sections and over the center section, and one or two reduced-size memory cards can be inserted between the side wall sections and the center section.

Abstract: The DIP connector of the present invention comprises a housing being provided with a receiving chamber into which a counterpart member being to be fitted, and a contact being fitted in a storing concaved part being concaved from the receiving chamber. The storing concaved part is bounded by a bottom wall, and a first wall and a second wall on both the ends in a width direction and third walls on both sides in a depth direction, of the housing. The bottom wall is provided with a support wall dividing the storing concaved part into a first concaved part and a second concaved part.

Abstract: An electrical terminal (30) includes a first contact member (32) having an outer pressure contacting end portion (32a) of a given diameter for pressure engaging a first electrical device. The first contact member has an inner end portion (32b) of a diameter at least slightly larger than the given diameter of the outer end portion. A second contact member (34) has a front pressure contacting end (34a) for pressure engaging a second electrical device. The second contact member has a rear end (34b) with a hole (38) for reciprocally receiving the inner end portion (32b) of the first contact member (32). A restricted stop is formed at the rear (34b) end of the hole (38) for abutting the inner end portion of the first contact member to define an outer limit position of the first contact member. A biasing member (36) is disposed in the hole in the second contact member and is engageable with the inner end portion of the first contact member.

Abstract: To provide a connector in which a compact design of the connector can be achieved, and besides a retaining force for preventing withdrawal of a metal terminal can be further increased, a connector housing 10 includes terminal receiving chambers 11 into which metal terminals 30 can be inserted, respectively, from a rear side, elastic lances 12 for respectively retaining the metal terminals 30 to prevent rearward withdrawal of the metal terminals 30, an elastic deformation space 13 for the lances, and a front holder insertion space 16 which is provided at a front side of the elastic deformation space in continuous relation thereto such that a front holder can be inserted into a predetermined position in the front holder insertion space from the front side.

Abstract: A linking member formed of a conductive material is integrated with a current sensor. An end of the linking member is linked and fixed to a battery terminal connected with a battery post of a battery and the other end is linked and fixed to a connecting terminal of a harness. At least a part of the current sensor having the linking member, the harness having the connecting terminal, and a fixing member that links and fixes the linking member and the connecting terminal is fixed to the battery to contact the battery in a state in which the linking member is linked and fixed to the battery terminal and the connecting terminal. Thus, vibration resistance and connection reliability of the current sensor can be improved.

Abstract: A bracket and quick connect/disconnect battery cable connector are disclosed to facilitate connection of a battery cable to a vehicle batter. The bracket is adapted to be connected to a battery to be in electrical communication with a terminal of the battery. The bracket comprises a head having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and two or more spaced apart lock members extending from the bracket head first surface. The lock members are generally C-shaped forming channels defined by a curved side surface and an upper surface. The connector comprises a body having a surface, a stem extending from the body surface and two or more flanges extending radially from the stem. The flanges have an upper surface spaced from the connector body surface.

Abstract: An electrical component, such as a relay socket, comprises a housing having at least one terminal provided with an insertion opening configured for receiving at least one conductor end. The insertion opening communicates with an assembly chamber formed in the terminal. A clamping device is arranged in the assembly chamber. The clamping device has a leaf spring divided into substantially parallel spring contacts by a parting slot. Each of the spring contacts is deflectable in a direction of insertion of the conductor end and has a free end positioned adjacent to a contact pressure plate such that a clamping slot is formed there between that force-fittingly receives the conductor end. A conductor element may additionally extend from the clamping device and be force-fittingly connected between the free ends of the spring contacts and the contact pressure plate to form a single piece pre-assembled unit with the clamping device.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack comprising a plurality of fuel cell units stacked via separator plates, which further comprises (a) voltage-measuring projection terminals on peripheries of the separator plates, (b) a plurality of terminal members connected to voltage-inputting terminals of a voltage-measuring apparatus, and (c) an insulating casing comprising a plurality of partitions for supporting each terminal member in an insulated state.

Abstract: A water-jet propulsion personal watercraft is disclosed, including a multiple-cylinder engine mounted in a body of the watercraft and configured to drive a water jet pump configured to propel the watercraft, and a mechanically driven supercharger configured to supply air taken in from outside to the engine. The engine typically has air-intake ports configured to open toward one side relative to the engine and exhaust ports configured to open toward an opposite side relative to the engine. The supercharger is typically disposed on the one side relative to the engine.

Abstract: A sliding board includes a board body made of a light material, and at least one reinforcing unit mounted in the board body to reinforce a structural strength of the board body and including a plurality of reinforcing bars which are connected serially to form the reinforcing unit. Thus, the reinforcing bars are connected with each other to assemble the reinforcing unit so that the length of the reinforcing unit is adjustable so as to fit the board body of different length.

Abstract: The rescue system includes a mobile trailer on which are mounted telescoping hydraulic arms and a winch. A net is connected to the winch and passes over a roller mounted at the outer ends of the hydraulic arms which are vertically and horizontally movable to position the net over the body of water. The net hangs downwardly from the roller into the body of water. A ballast is attached at the lower end of the net so that the net is vertically oriented in the water. A rope connected to the lower end of the net and a set of pulleys enable the lower end of the net to be lifted to envelope a person therein. When the person is enveloped in the net, the winch is actuated via an electric motor to reel in the net and lift the net and the person out of the body of water and to a place of safety.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure discharge lamp of the ceramic metal halide type of the Philips MasterColor® series having power ranges of about 150 W to about 1000 W. Such lamps are provided with a discharge vessel which encloses a discharge space. The discharge vessel has a ceramic wall and is closed by a ceramic plug. An electrode which is located inside the discharge space is connected to an electric conductor by way of a leadthrough element. The leadthrough element projects through the ceramic plug with a close fit and is connected thereto in a gas-tight manner by way of a sealing ceramic. The leadthrough element has a first part which is formed by a cermet at the area of the gas-tight connection.

Abstract: A motion conversion mechanism is described. The motion conversion mechanism includes a first member and an a second member. The firs member is configured to be arranged relative to the child containment structure to undergo motion in a first angular direction and in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction. The second member includes a rotation device that is rotatable about a rotation axis. The first and second members configured in combination to convert motion about the angular motion axis to motion of the rotation device about the rotation axis when the first member moves in at least one of the first angular direction and in the second angular direction.

Abstract: A noise-producing device comprises a body (12) having a clamp (24) for mounting the body to a frame member of a bicycle or other motorless vehicle with spoked wheels. The device includes a card holder (15) for securing a resiliently flexible card (14) to the body such hat the card extends freely outwardly from the body. A resonant chamber (18) in the body amplifies the sound produced by the intermittent interaction of the free end of the card with the spokes of the bicycle wheel.

Abstract: An operation control system for an electrically powered and remotely controlled vehicle to be occupied by a child with a steering mechanism to be engaged and disengaged for either local or remote control. A remote control device for selectively controlling the direction and speed of the vehicle. A remote control receiver in the vehicle for receiving control signals from the remote control device and generating steering mechanism and speed control signals. A drive motor for driving the wheels of the vehicle and responsive to the speed control signals; and a steering motor for controlling the direction of movement of the vehicle and responsive to the steering mechanism control signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of a processing pad assembly for processing a substrate are provided. The processing pad assembly includes an upper layer having a processing surface and an electrode having a top side coupled to the upper layer and a bottom side opposite the top side. A first set of holes is formed through the upper layer for exposing the electrode to the processing surface. At least one aperture is formed through the upper layer and the electrode.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and apparatus are provided for processing a substrate surface. In one aspect, an article of manufacture is provided for polishing a substrate including polishing article comprising a body having at least a partially conductive polishing surface. An electrode is disposed below the polishing surface having a dielectric material therebetween. A plurality of apertures may be formed in the polishing surface and the dielectric material to at least partially expose the electrode to the polishing surface. A membrane may be disposed between the electrode and the polishing surface that is permeable to ions and current to promote continuity between the electrode and the polishing surface.

Abstract: A cover plate system for making custom natural stone cover plates for electrical outlets, wall switches and other outlets and openings over which it is desired to place a natural stone cover plate. The natural stone cover plates are made from quarried stone, cultured stone, and natural rock materials such as terrazzo, marble, and granite preferably supplied by the homeowner, or end user, to a central factory, then manufactured, then shipped back to the end user to match other such material being used in the end user's building.

Abstract: A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions.