Abstract: A card connector into and from which at least one card is inserted and removed includes a plurality of contacts each having a contact portion adapted to contact the card, and a housing arranging and holding the contacts and having a fitting opening into which the card is inserted. The housing is provided with a terminal at one end in the width direction of the housing for achieving continuity between the card and a substrate and precluding the card from being erroneously inserted with its rear end or upside down, and the housing is further provided with a notch at a predetermined position for permitting part of the terminal to extend into the fitting opening. The card connector achieves its miniaturization and is able to prevent troubles caused by the electro-static discharge and an erroneous insertion of a card into the card connector.

Abstract: A connector includes a seal member holder 20 having a second cylindrical wall 22 for fitting on an outer periphery of a first cylindrical wall 2, and a plurality of groove-like notches 25 and a plurality of engagement holes 27 are formed in the second cylindrical wall, and engagement convex portions 7 for engagement with the respective engagement holes are formed on the outer periphery of the first cylindrical wall. One (25A) of the notches 25 in the second cylindrical wall is larger in width than the other notches, and has a spreading fan-like shape when viewed in plane.

Abstract: A space-saving and protective peripheral device connector for use with electronic devices, such as laptop computers, is disclosed. The device connector has a housing containing a plug, such as a USB connector, for insertion into a female port of the electronic device. The plug is coupled to a replica port that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the plug. The replica port may be mounted on the housing or attached to the housing using a cable. The device connector may have an inner surface that substantially conforms to the non-planar adjacent surface of the laptop computer.

Abstract: A cable terminal or connector has several electrical probes. Each probe has a conductive sleeve defining a bore, with a probe pin received in the bore. The probe pin has a free end contact tip extending in a first direction beyond the periphery of a circuit board supporting the sleeves, with the probe pin being biased in the first direction. The probe pin includes an electrical component near the tip. The component may be a resistor and capacitor arranged in parallel, and providing the sole electrical communication between the first and second portions. The component may be mounted between flanges on each of the first and second components, and enclosed in a sleeve connected to the flanges. The second portion with the tip is relatively short compared to other components and dimensions of the probe and connector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for an alignment system for use in a data storage system for enabling numerous contact cycles between two surfaces in a robust manner. The system includes a first and a second surface each having at least two contact zones. Each of the contact zones comprise either a conductive spring or a conductive pad. Each of the conductive springs is adapted to engage a corresponding conductive pad, wherein the engaging location on the pad is substantially flat, to form at least one closed circuit when the first and the second surfaces are aligned and are in contact. A continuity confirmation device can further be used to confirm the closed circuit.

Abstract: A connecting terminal (10) for a busbar is provided and can include an electrically insulated housing (20), in which an electrically conductive clamp body (40) is provided with a first clamp screw (41) for fixing a connector cable (50) and a contact for a terminal lug (60), where the connector cable (50) is insertable into the clamp body (40) through an inlet opening (25) of the housing (20), and where the terminal lug is insertable into the housing (20) through an outlet opening (26a, 26b) of the housing (20), where one hollow cylinder (30, 80) is formed on the housing around the inlet opening (25) for the connector cable (50) and around the outlet opening (26a, 26b) for the terminal lug (60).

Abstract: A printed circuit board connector has a mounting portion mounted on a first side of a printed circuit board and an elastically biased contact portion extending from the mounting portion. The mounting portion is enlarged for vacuum pick up. The contact portion has a substantially S-shaped cross section and protrudes beyond a second side of the printed circuit board opposite the first side. The connector may be used with a single-sided printed circuit board where the connector provides an electrical coupling from the contact portion beyond the second side of the circuit board to a mounting pad on which the connector is mounted on the first side. The contact portion is elastically deformable from between a first state protruding beyond the second side of the printed circuit board to a second state substantially flush with the second side of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A terminal connector and wire connecting method thereof are disclosed. The terminal connector includes a metal electric wire terminal, a metal material with the low melting point and an insulated sleeve. One section of the metal electric wire terminal bends to a C-shaped section with a vertical slot where an electric wire is. Another section of the metal electric wire terminal used to connect an outer terminal. The metal material with the low melting point is embedded the vertical slot of the C-shaped section. The insulated sleeve mounted the C-shaped section and the metal material with the low melting point. Providing an application of heat melts the metal material with the low melting point, the C-shaped section, and the electric wire. At the same time, the insulated sleeve shrinks and wrapped the metal electric wire terminal connector and the electric wire. The connection of the connector assembly and the electric wire is complete.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a crimp connector for connecting to at least one cable conductor of an implantable cardiac electrotherapy lead. The crimp connector includes a thin-walled body, which has an outer surface, an inner surface, proximal and distal edges, a cavity, and a tab. The inner surface defines the cavity. The proximal and distal edges respectively define proximal and distal openings leading to the cavity. The tab projects outwardly from and extends along the outer surface in a direction generally transverse to an axis extending between the proximal and distal openings.

Abstract: A jet-propelled watercraft can include an engine output control system that adjusts the output of the engine based on a steering force and the engine speed. The control system can also be configured to detect abnormalities in the steering force sensor and to prohibit the increase engine output control when an abnormality is detected.

Abstract: A jet-propelled watercraft capable of maintaining a propulsion force required for a turn made at the same time as closing of a throttle valve. The jet-propelled watercraft has an auxiliary intake valve and an ECU. The auxiliary intake valve in an intake pipe opens/closes an auxiliary intake passage to bypass a throttle valve. The ECU performs control such that an opening of the auxiliary intake valve in a state where the rotation speed of the engine is not lower than a threshold value is larger than the opening of the auxiliary intake valve in a state where the engine is idling. When in a state where the rotation speed is not lower than the threshold value, it is detected that the throttle valve is completely closed and that a steering mechanism has been turned by a prescribed angle or more, a current opening of the auxiliary intake valve is maintained.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering system comprises two hydraulic actuators, each having two actuator ports. There is a helm for steering the system in a first direction and a second direction. The helm is operatively connected to a helm pump. The helm is operatively connected to a first actuator port and a second actuator port. There is a power hydraulic steering pump hydraulically connected to a third of the actuator ports and a fourth of the actuator ports. There is a sensor capable of detecting steering of the system. The sensor is operatively connected with the power steering pump such that the power steering pump pumps hydraulic fluid towards the third of the actuator ports when the helm is steered in the first direction and pumps hydraulic fluid towards the fourth of the actuator ports when the helm is steered in the second direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a marine reversing gear assembly, wherein a manual directional control valve 7a and an electromagnetic directional control valve 7b for a forward/reverse directional control valve 7 for hydraulic oil supply circuit 10 have a common structure of an oil line joint surface for the hydraulic oil supply circuit 10 for friction discs of a forward clutch 2f and a reverse clutch 2a, and the forward/reverse directional control valve 7 for the hydraulic oil supply circuit 10 can be changed to either the manual directional control valve 7a or the electromagnetic directional control valve 7b by exchanging spools 7c or 7e of the manual directional control valve 7a or the electromagnetic directional control valve 7b. Therefore, the operational manner of the forward/reverse directional control valve for the hydraulic oil supply line of a marine reversing gear assembly can be changed quite easily between the manual directional control valve and the electromagnetic directional control valve.

Abstract: A toy airboat (10) having a negative trim element (38) and an adjustable positive trim element (44) for selectively controlling the performance of the craft in varying environmental conditions such as wind speeds and wave heights. The negative trim element may be smoothly curved protrusions (40) formed integral to the hull (12) in order to avoid snagging debris in water and to allow operation over land without damage to the hull. The protrusions may be symmetrically located on opposed sides of a centerline (CL) of the craft approximately midway between the centerline and a perimeter (16) of the hull. The adjustable positive trim element may be a bolt (46) threaded into a nut (48) affixed to a deck (14) of the craft. The nut extends to make contact with the hull to impart a desired degree of convex curvature to the otherwise generally flat bottom of the hull.

Abstract: An outboard motor 1 has a cowling 10 of a two-piece structure including a top cowl 11 and a bottom cowl 12. Mating portions of the top and bottom cowls include a watertight seal. A first, horizontally-directed sealing portion is not visible from outside the cowling. A second, vertically-directed sealing portion is positioned inwardly from the first sealing portion. In some embodiments, an elongate rib depends from the top cowl generally into the bottom cowl. In other embodiments, the second sealing portion is positioned generally above the first sealing portion.

Abstract: A water rescue device for use in man overboard situations, comprising a foldable frame structure formed from a plurality of individual segments. The device is restrained in a compact storage configuration until needed. When deployed, resilient band or elastic cord material causes the foldable frame structure to assume an unfolded deployed configuration which floats and can be seen by rescuers. In an alternative embodiment, the device also serves as a lifting basket to assist in lifting a victim from the water.

Abstract: A structure building system is described that utilizes a mat, a set of connectors and a set of structural members to build a structure. In a preferred embodiment, magnetic coupling/connection may be used to connect the piece of the structure together. The system may also have one or more pieces of material that may be draped over the structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing an inflatable device. In one example, a first component adapted to generate at least one of light and sound is coupled to a second component that is adapted to facilitate insertion into an inflatable device. The first component may be an LED-based light source configured to generate single or multi-colored light in an interior space of the inflatable device once inserted into the inflatable device. The second component may be particularly configured with one or more valves or seals to facilitate a transfer of a substance (e.g., an inflating substance) into the inflatable device once the first and second components are inserted into the inflatable device. The second component also may be configured to conveniently facilitate an effective seal between the second component and the inflatable device.

Abstract: A toy includes a body, a motor within the body, an appendage coupled to the body of the toy, a tail device coupled to the body of the toy, and a neck device coupled to the body of the toy. The appendage is actuated by the motor to move along a first path. The tail device is actuated by the motor to move along a second path. The neck device is actuated by the motor to move along a third path.

Abstract: A toy vehicle including: a housing defining an interior section of the vehicle; a motor mounted in the housing; a drive shaft operatively connected to the motor and extending through an opening in the housing; and a propeller or wheel mounted on an end portion of the drive shaft. The drive shaft includes a polygon shaped driving element that is countersunk into a rear portion of the propeller/wheel for providing reliable transfer of power from the motor to the propeller/wheel.

Abstract: A combination sports bra and secure pocket garment has a front mounted three section pocket with a single zipper closure. A cord hole in the pocket and a cord loop on the bra enables a cord to be retained from an electronic device in the closed pocket to a headset on the wearer.

Abstract: An on-line roll grinding method for a work roll, which can decrease an overshoot, by which the pressing load of a rotating grinding wheel on a work roll exceeds a set grinding pressing load, is provided. This method is an on-line grinding method for a work roll, adapted to press a rotating grinding wheel (3a) having elasticity against a work roll (1) of a rolling mill to grind the work roll, wherein when the pressing load of the rotating grinding wheel (3a) reaches a set load F, which has been set beforehand, after the rotating grinding wheel (3a) contacts the work roll (1), the forward velocity of the rotating grinding wheel (3a) is reduced to decrease an overshoot by which the pressing load of the rotating grinding wheel (3a) on the work roll (1) exceeds a set grinding pressing load F0.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for grinding or polishing an optic is provided. The apparatus includes a shell adapted to a bending profile, torque actuators attached at an outer edge of the shell and coupled to each other, a tensioning system attached at the outer edge of the shell, and a control system for computing the bending profile and controlling the torque actuators and tensioning system. The torque actuators and tensioning system apply bending moments to the edge of the shell to adapt the shell according to the bending profile provided by the control system. A calibration system further corrects errors in a measured bending profile.

Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing apparatus for processing an eyeglass lens includes: a lens chuck that holds the lens; a roughing tool; a finishing tool; a finishing data input unit that inputs finishing data; a water supply unit that supplies water to a portion being processed of the lens; a first temperature sensor that senses temperature of the water to be supplied; and an operating unit that corrects the input finishing data based on the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wafer double-side polishing apparatus comprising at least a carrier plate having wafer holding holes; upper and lower turn tables to which polishing pads are attached; and a slurry supply means; with wafers held in the wafer holding holes, the carrier plate being moved between the upper and lower turn tables while supplying slurry, to simultaneously polish both front and back surfaces of wafers, wherein a PCD of upper turn table load supporting points that is a diameter of a circle joining load supporting points of the upper turn table coincides with a PCD of centers of the wafer holding holes on the carrier plate that is a diameter of a circle joining each center of the wafer holding holes on the carrier plate.

Abstract: A polishing head and method for handling and polishing semiconductor wafers uses a base structure with at least one recess region and an outer flexible membrane that can conform to the at least one recess region to form at least one depression to hold a semiconductor wafer onto the outer flexible membrane when suction is applied to the at least one depression.

Abstract: A polishing pad for use in chemically mechanically polishing a semiconductor substrate enhances the uniformity of the rate at which material is removed from the surface of the semiconductor substrate, thereby ensuring the reproducibility of the chemical mechanical polishing process. The polishing pad has main grooves that divide an upper portion of the pad into a plurality of cells. At least one of the cells includes a land portion and a grooved portion substantially enclosed by the land portion. A respective slurry hole extends through the pad to the grooved portion such that slurry supplied through the slurry hole feeds into the grooved portion but is impeded by the land portion from flowing outwardly of the cell.

Abstract: A belt grinding finishing tool incorporates a pair of mounting arms projecting forwardly from a drive housing to support a single abrasive belt entrained around drive and idler pulleys. The first mounting arm is positionally fixed relative to the drive housing, but the second mounting arm is pivotally mounted to permit relative pivotal movement thereof. The dual mounting arm configuration enables a tubular member to be placed between the mounting arms to effect a finishing of opposing sides of the outer surface of the tubular member simultaneously. A support housing detachably mounted on the drive housing includes a support handle that can be selectively connected to alternative attachments mounts formed on the support housing. An actuation lever extending outwardly from the second mounting arm permits the operator to cause pivotal movement of the pivoted second mounting arm to accept the tubular member to be finished between the mounting arms.

Abstract: An orbital sander liquid dispenser that includes a head with a hollow fluid distribution ring attached thereto that includes a plurality of jet openings formed on its bottom surface design to spray a desired liquid onto the working surface. A liquid is pumped by means of a submerged electric pump to the head and into the ring from a reservoir. An optional foot switch is provided for control the flow of liquid to the head.

Abstract: An improved resilient sanding block of the type comprising a core having a plurality of exterior surfaces, including a first major surface and a second major surface and side surfaces, and having a layer of abrasive material disposed thereon. The resilient sanding block may have one or more apertures or through holes extending from one major surface to the other major surface and channels formed in at least one of the major surfaces, with the channels in communication with the aperture. When a vacuum source is operatively connected to the aperture, the dust created by sanding will be substantially removed into the vacuum source via the channels and the aperture. A holder for a resilient sanding block is also disclosed, as well as a handle for the holder, which together form a sanding system.

Abstract: A sanding block includes a compressible core having at least one pair of sides characterized such that an abrasive material is adhered to said sides substantially along the surface thereof and having a juncture area defined between said two sides which does not have said abrasive material adhered thereto such that the abrasive material does not run continuously about the sides of the core thereby providing the two sides to be readily compressed toward one another. A method of forming the same is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cutting wheel, comprising a disk-shaped abrasive body having two opposite faces and a non-uniform thickness.

Abstract: A method for tenderizing meat of a red meat slaughter animal includes separating a vertebra of the animal and applying electrical stimulation to the animal's musculature. The vertebra separating is performed prior to the onset of rigor mortis to enable stretching of muscle fibers in the carcass. The electrical stimulation is focused on a midsection of the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing multiple portions of meat. A plurality of product mandrels having an open-top recess are mounted on a conveyor for travel along a selected path. The mandrels are selectively rotatable about a vertical axis. Two sets of parallel slots are provided in the mandrel and extend to a depth at least equal to the depth of the recess. Each set of parallel slots is disposed to intersect the other at a selected angle. Each product mandrel is moved through a pair of cutting stations which carry laterally spaced knives extending downwardly. The product mandrel is rotated through an angle which aligns one set of intersecting slots parallel to the knife blades in a cutting station after passing through the other cuffing station. A plurality of laterally spaced cuts are made through the larger piece of meat to produce smaller portions.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a value input device, a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a light array, an audio output device, and a controller operatively coupled to said value input device, said display unit, said light array and said audio output device, said controller including a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor. The controller is programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause a video image representing a game to be generated on said display unit, to determine a game event mode, to selectively perform one of: (i) to cause a sound segment to be generated on said audio output device and synchronize a light pattern to be generated on said light array with the sound segment and (ii) to control said light array directly to cause a light pattern to be generated on said light array according to the game event mode, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of said game.

Abstract: A wagering game in which a graphical indicator may be used to identify a positive outcome, or a negative outcome, or where multiple graphical indicators may be used to identify and distinguish both positive and negative outcomes in a selection game, which has a plurality of player selectable markers. The player may select markers to reveal an outcome. The outcome may be a credit award, a multiplier, or any other award that provides a player with a benefit, either monetary, or in the context of game play (e.g., a free selection). The graphical indicator is provided the player either on a random basis, as an incentive award for a player tracking system, or simply provided on the basis of game play criteria. The graphical indicator may also be used to denote a subset of markers, at least one of which has the indicated outcome.

Abstract: The present invention is a gaming device and preferably a bonus round game of a gaming device that enables a player to initiate a randomly generated number, wherein said number determines the number of positions that a position marker will move along an enclosed path. Each time the marker lands upon a previously unmarked position, the game provides an award associated with that position to the player. When the marker lands upon a previously marked position, the game ends. The present invention also contemplates updating or changing the values of unmarked or unselected positions along the enclosed path by preferably adding to each unmarked or unselected position the value of the award of a previously selected position. That is, when the game randomly selects an unmarked position, the game provides the player with an award, wherein the game preferably replaces a previously achieved award with the award of the newly selected position.

Abstract: A gaming machine system comprises a game cabinet, a processor, and an audio/visual effects system. The game cabinet receives inputs and displays outputs. The processor is located within the cabinet and randomly selects a game outcome in response to a wager. The processor generates a first signal in response to a certain event occurring. The audio/visual effects system includes speakers and projecting lights, which are located remotely from the cabinet. In response to the processor generating the first signal, the audio/visual effects system broadcasts a certain audio output from the speakers toward the game cabinet and directs a certain light pattern from the projecting lights toward the game cabinet. The invention also provides for a gaming machine network with a plurality of gaming machines and an audio/visual controller. The audio/visual controller controls the audio outputs and the light patterns experienced by players of the gaming machines.

Abstract: Methods and systems of facilitating a wager include, a computer implemented method of facilitating a wager between players. The method may include receiving an initial offer from an initial player and a challenging offer from a challenging player. The initial and challenging offers may include a fantasy team, and a wager amount. The method also may include calculating a score for the initial fantasy team and the challenging fantasy teams. The score may be determined based on the performance of fantasy team members of the initial fantasy team in at least one external event. Awarding a pay-off amount to the initiating player if the score for the initial fantasy team is higher than the score for the challenging fantasy team also may be a part of the method, where the pay-off amount is determined based on the total initial wager amount and the challenging wager amount.

Abstract: A method for team play of slot machines, including determining a first result corresponding to a first player on a team, determining a second result corresponding to a second player, determining whether the second player is on the team, and determining a result based on the first result and the second result if the second player is on the team. Various embodiments further include awarding comp points to the team based on the play of the first player and the second player. Various embodiments further include joint participation in a bonus round by members of a team.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper includes: a primary mass adapted to be coupled to an engine crankshaft and defining a substantially ring-shaped chamber that is divided into at least two portions; a secondary mass relatively rotatably connected to the primary mass and connectable with a clutch; and a damping unit for coupling the primary and secondary masses to each other in a rotationally elastic manner. The damping unit includes a plurality of coil springs, a pair of end guides, and a friction guide that is disposed between neighboring coil springs and provided with an outer circumferential surface configured to be rubbed against an outer wall of the ring-shaped chamber. An oil groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the friction guide and at least a portion of the oil groove is formed to be slanted with respect to a circumferential direction of the ring-shaped chamber.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a golf swing trainer with a base (70) and a plurality of elongated elements (S1 to S6), each of which comprises a near end (103) and a distant end (102). Moreover, a plurality of first motion devices (48, 80) is provided, each connected to the near end (103) of one of the plurality of elongated elements (S1 to S6) and designed to move, in each case, one of the plurality of elongated Elements (S1 to S6) relative to base (70). The distant ends (102) of the elongated elements (S1 to S6) are movably connected to a platform (8). The golf swing trainer may be connected to a golf club (7) and/or a golfer via a connector device (10), such that a motion of the elongated elements (S1 to S6) is capable of effecting a motion of the golf club (7) and/or of the golfer.

Abstract: A striking face for golf clubs, such as a driver, iron or putter comprising a plurality of bars retained in the club head body and forming the striking surface. The bars which comprise the striking face according to the invention may be designed and arranged to provide enhanced performance of a golf club. The bars may also be machined economically before assembly of the golf club head to provide a precision grooved striking face at reduced cost.

Abstract: The present invention is a golf putter head wherein the second moment among the three inertial moments described below shows a maximum value in a state in which the head is placed on a horizontal plane at a specified lie angle and loft angle: First moment: inertial moment about a first axis which passes through the center of gravity of the head, and which is parallel to the face surface and said horizontal plane; Second moment: inertial moment about a second axis which is an axis in the vertical direction that passes through the center of gravity of the head; and Third moment: inertial moment about a third axis which passes through the center of gravity of the head, and which is perpendicular to said first axis and perpendicular to said second axis.

Abstract: A golf ball has a plurality of linearly or curvilinearly extending ridge-like lands on its spherical surface. The percent occupation of the total of land areas relative to the overall area of a phantom spherical surface assumed at the level of the top of lands can be reduced to substantially zero.

Abstract: A golf swing exerciser uses two lengths of resistance cords or tension elements connected to an exercising handle so that one of the cords extends to an upper resistance region on a back swing side of the exerciser and the other resistance cord extends between upper and lower resistance regions on a back swing side of the exerciser. The cord from the upper resistance region resists downward movement of an exercising handle from a back swing region, and the cord extending between the upper and lower resistance regions resists lateral movement of the handle into a hitting region. The combined resistance of both cords significantly increases as the handle moves into the hitting region.

Abstract: A soccer practice apparatus to assist a user in practicing the ability to power kick, ball control, mid-volley and/or head a soccer ball. The apparatus can be formed from an arm assembly comprised of a primary arm member angled with a smooth bend to a substantially vertical portion at the end. The arm assembly is connected to a substantially vertical support member. A tether cord extends through and along a length of the primary arm member and is attached to a soccer ball. The tether cord is adjustable and permits the height of the ball to be adjusted for ground ball positions, mid volleys, and heading. The apparatus further permits a ball to be hit in any direction from any adjusted position above ground without creating ball contact with the upright support member.

Abstract: A toy with a springable cord and an object at the other end of the cord, which object can be a ball of many kinds, or a device covering a ball. The ball may include electronics therein that are actuated when the ball is hit against a surface.

Abstract: A pocket for a lacrosse head including a scoop, a throat, first and second sides, a front and a back. The pocket comprises at least one runner having a first layer attached to a second layer and substantially flat first and second sections. At least one opening is positioned between the first and second sections wherein at least one opening spaces the first layer from the second layer. Each layer is comprised of multiple materials. The pocket can include first and second runners, wherein each runner engages the scoop and the throat and are positioned substantially adjacent to each other. At least one tubular member can be positioned between the first and second runners and at least one cross member can traverse the tubular member.

Abstract: A sporting good item or other product includes a “shrink-label” formed from a shrink-sleeve, shrink-wrap, or a stretch-sleeve adhered to or otherwise affixed to an outer surface of the item. The shrink-label includes pre-printed graphics and closely conforms to the item's outer surface, including any contours or tapered regions, so that the graphics may be displayed anywhere on the item. The shrink-label may optionally be applied to the item via an automated device. A clear coat or other protective layer may optionally be applied to an outer surface of the shrink-label to increase its durability and resistance to abrasion, which is particularly beneficial when the shrink-label is applied to an item intended for impact applications, such as a ball bat.