Abstract: A pumping/compressing apparatus for use in a fluid handling system transferring a fluid from one location, e.g., a tank, to another location or to an end use is provided. The apparatus basically includes a motor and a multistage, e.g., two stage, device including at least one reciprocating piston, an inlet stage chamber, an outlet stage chamber, an inlet, and an outlet. The piston is arranged to be reciprocated at multiple, e.g., respective first and second, speeds. The second speed is higher than the first speed, whereupon when the piston is reciprocated at the first speed the device effectively pumps liquid or mostly liquid to the outlet. When the piston is reciprocated at the second speed the device effectively compresses gas or mostly gas fluid and provides it to the outlet. A blowby port may be provided to provide blowby fluid back to the tank or the device.

Abstract: A pump assembly includes a pump housing, a stator ring supported within the pump housing, and a pump ring also rotatably supported within the pump housing. The pump ring interfaces with the stator ring to define a plurality of variable volume pressure chambers. A cover plate covers the stator ring and pumping ring within the pump housing. The cover plate is axially displaceable relative to the pump housing and defines a wall of each of the pressure chambers. Pressure within the pressure chambers induces linear movement of the cover plate away from the stator ring and the pump ring.

Abstract: An amputated part holding apparatus has a contact member provided in a casing to define a particle charge chamber between the contact member and the casing. The contact member comes into pressing contact with an amputated part owing to increased pressure in the particle charge chamber. The chamber is charged with particles to generate pressing force. The amputated part holding apparatus is further provided with a particle supply unit including a particle charging device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating pre-stressed zones in concrete. In one embodiment, a circular blade is coated with a chemical which retards the setting of the concrete. The circular blade is then rolled through the wet concrete, thus transferring the retarding chemical from the blade into the concrete. The region of wet concrete that has the retarding chemical introduced into it does not set until after the surrounding concrete has set and shrunk, thus creating a pre-stressed zone which typically manifests itself as a crack, visible upon setting of the wet concrete. Other embodiments describe alternative ways of introducing the chemical into the wet concrete.

Abstract: An aircraft fuselage barrel (10) includes a skin (12) and a shear tie (18). The shear tie (18) resides within and is integrally formed with the skin (12). The shear tie (18) is separate from and configured for frame attachment thereon. A multi-ring system (79) for fuselage barrel formation includes a mold (68) with a ring (50). The ring (50) has width (W2) approximately equal to a separation distance (D) between two adjacent fuselage frames (22) and includes a module (52) that has a circumferential length (L1) that is greater than a circumferential distance between two fuselage longerons (14). A support structure (80) is coupled to and supports the mold (68). A method of forming the aircraft fuselage barrel (10) includes constructing the support structure (80). Rings (86) of the mold (68) are attached to and over the support structure (80). The mold (68) is constructed. Material is laid-up onto the mold (68) to integrally form the one-piece fuselage barrel (10) including a Hat-configured longeron (14).

Abstract: An edge gated injection molding apparatus includes a manifold having a manifold channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material under pressure. A nozzle is coupled to the manifold and a nozzle melt channel of the nozzle receives the melt stream from the manifold channel. A mold cavity communicates with the nozzle melt channel of the nozzle and receives melt through a mold gate. The mold gate is located at an edge of the mold cavity. A chamber receives melt from the nozzle channel and communicates with the mold cavity through the mold gate. A portion of the chamber is located forward of the mold gate. A valve pin is slidable through the nozzle channel from a first position in which the mold gate is open to a second position in which an outer side surface of the valve pin blocks the mold gate.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a manifold for delivering a melt stream of moldable material to a nozzle melt channel of a nozzle. A valve pin extends through the nozzle melt channel and is axially movable to selectively open a gate to allow communication with a mold cavity. A sensor is coupled to a forward end of the valve pin. The sensor may be a pressure sensor and/or temperature sensor in direct contact with the melt stream to provide pressure and/or temperature information to a controller.

Abstract: A substrate undergoes a semiconductor fabrication process at different temperatures in a reactor without changing the temperature of the reactor. The substrate is held suspended by flowing gas between two heated surfaces of the reactor. Moving the two heated surfaces in close proximity with the substrate for a particular time duration heats the substrate to a desired temperature. The desired temperature is then maintained by distancing the heated surfaces from the substrate and holding the heated surface at the increased distance to minimize further substrate heating.

Abstract: A circulating fluidized bed boiler having improved reactant utilization. The circulating fluidized bed boiler includes a circulating fluidized bed having a dense bed portion; a lower furnace portion adjacent to the dense bed portion; and an upper furnace portion, wherein the dense bed portion of the circulating fluidized bed boiler is maintained below the stoichiometric ratio (fuel rich stage) and the lower furnace portion is maintained above the stoichiometric ratio (fuel lean stage), thereby reducing the formation of NOx.; a reactant to reduce the emission of at least one combustion product in the flue gas; and a plurality of secondary air injection ports downstream of the circulating fluidized bed for providing mixing of the reactant and the flue gas in the furnace above the dense bed, wherein the amount of reactant required for the reduction of the emission of the combustion product is reduced.

Abstract: An indirect bonding apparatus is made by initially placing spacer material over a replica of the patient's tooth structure. A tray is then formed over the spacer material and hardened. Next, the spacer material is removed from the tooth replica and orthodontic appliances are placed on the replica at desired locations. A matrix material is placed between the tray and the replica and allowed to harden. Optionally, the apparatus includes features for facilitating removal of the transfer apparatus after the bonding procedure has been completed, and features for applying firm, uniform pressure to the appliances during the bonding procedure. Other aspects of indirect bonding are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus having a support base and a removable hair portion for training personal appearance workers. In one embodiment, the releasable hair portion is the crown of a mannequin head and is detachably fixed to the support base of the mannequin head, which is adapted to be fixed to a work surface or mount. In another embodiment the releasable hair portion is the chin and surrounding area, which is detachably fixed to the support base of the mannequin head. The removable hair portion of the mannequin attaches to the support base of the mannequin head with a latching system that securely fixes the hair portion to the head. The latching system includes at least one fastening tab and a releasable clip that engages an opening in the support base. In another embodiment, a detent system is positioned between a fastening tab and the locking clip.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electromechanical tactile cell assembly comprising a plurality of piezoelectric element reeds, each one of the piezoelectric element reeds being bendable at an elongated end portion when a voltage is applied to the reed, a plurality of conductive fulcrum pins secured to a printed circuit board, and a plurality of multiple element conductive supports secured to a printed circuit board, each multiple element conductive support, in combination with the plurality of conductive fulcrum pins, adapted to secure a plurality of piezoelectric reeds, corresponding to the plurality of conductive fulcrum pins, to the printed circuit board. The electromechanical tactile cell is adaptable for use with a Braille display.

Abstract: A slide apparatus includes two members and two slide modules. A second member is movable between a first position and a second position in relation to a first member, with a central position therebetween. The first and second slide modules are disposed on the first member and each includes a rotating structure and an elastic element. When the second member is between the first position and the central position, the first rotating structure is rotatable to generate or release a first torque in the first elastic element. When the second member is between the central position and the second position, the second rotating structure is rotatable to generate or release a second torque in the second elastic element.

Abstract: A terminal assembly for selectively coupling multiple electrical loads in parallel or in series includes a plurality of jumper contacts in a spaced relationship. The jumper contacts may be in electrical communication with load terminals as well as source terminals. Connections made in a first group of electrically connectable pairings of adjacent jumper contacts couples the load terminals, and thus any loads attached thereto, in parallel. Connections made in a second group of electrically connectable pairings of adjacent jumper contacts couples the load terminals in series.

Abstract: A connecting structure of a printed circuit board of a liquid crystal display (LCD) module includes a double side printed circuit board and a single side printed circuit board. With the design of the double side printed circuit board having a solder element with two solder surfaces with a plurality of plated through holes (PTHs), and the design of the opening neighboring the solder element, the conducting surface of the single side printed circuit board may easily accord with the structural requirements to select the corresponding solder surface for performing welding.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprising: an insulative housing defining a top surface with a plurality contact terminals planted within the housing; a frame having an rectangle framework securely attaching to the housing defining sidewalls jointly formed a room for receiving an IC package therein, engaging hollows are defined at an pair of opposite corner of the framework and a chamber at a corner of the framework; a compliant biasing device positioned in the said chamber of the corner of framework for positioning the IC package; a thermal control element having alignment pins related to the engaging hollows, said thermal control element pushing the compliant biasing device sliding in the chamber so the compliant biasing device attaching on the IC package to ensure proper and reliable electrical interconnection.

Abstract: A connector comprising a header connector 20 and a socket connector 25. The connector 25 includes a fixed section 272 that is continuously formed at the tip of one end 2711 of a contact section 271 so that a part 2721 of the section 272 is arranged in parallel with the one end. A housing 26 of the connector 25 sandwiches and retains both sides of the part 2721 between a pair of facing retention grooves, and also sandwiches and receives both sides of the one end 2711 between a pair of facing guiding grooves so that the one end 2711 can move only along facing surfaces including the above each groove.

Abstract: A cable connector assembly (100) includes a housing (7) defining a mating interface, a printed circuit board (3) received in the housing and having a plurality of electrical pads (32) formed thereon, the printed circuit board defining a mating portion accessible from the mating interface, a cable with a plurality of conductors electrically attached to corresponding electrical pads of the printed circuit board and engaging means (8) assembled to the housing for locking the printed circuit board toward the housing reliable.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (100) comprise an insulative housing (1) defining a mating direction, a plurality of terminals (2) received in the insulative housing (1) along the mating direction, a printed circuit board (3) attached to the insulative housing (1) and electrically connected to the terminals (2) and a cable (4) comprising a plurality of conductors (40) electrically attached to the printed circuit board (3). Each terminal (2) has a mating portion (23), a tail portion (21) and an enlarged interconnecting portion (22) connecting with the mating portion (23) and the tail portion (21).

Abstract: A connector is provided for simultaneously improving both the NEXT high frequency performance when low crosstalk plugs are used and the NEXT low frequency performance when high crosstalk plugs are used. The connector includes a first compensation structure provided on an inner metalized layer of the PCB at a first stage area of the PCB, and a second compensation structure, provided at a second stage area of the PCB, for increasing compensation capacitance with increasing frequency.

Abstract: In a plug connection adapter adapted for connecting a first and a second plug-in connector element (11, 12) and comprising at least one contact pin (17) both ends of which are provided with contact blades/contact slots (21a, 21b) for contact-making of the plug-in connector elements (11, 12), a header shroud (16a, 16b) adapted to guide the plug connection adapter (10) when contacting a plug-in connector element (11, 12) is arranged on at least one end of the plug connection adapter (10).

Abstract: A distribution connection module (1) for telecommunications and data technology includes a housing (3) in which input and output contacts (4, 5) for the connection of cables or wires are arranged such that they are externally accessible. The housing (3) is designed with a cavity in which functional elements are arranged between the input and output contacts (4, 5).

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for preventing electrostatic discharge during connection of a USB-type connector. The connector includes a grounding clip provided within a recess formed at least partially down into the surface of the second level of the base block. The grounding clip may have a proximal end affixed to a proximal end of a signal ground pin of the plurality of signal pins, though the grounding clip and signal ground pin may be coupled at other locations along their lengths. The connector including the grounding clip may be affixed to a semiconductor device. A portion of the grounding clip is provided at a height above the surface of the base block such that, when a shroud is slid around the connector, the shroud engages and remains in contact with the grounding clip. Accordingly, any electrostatic discharge built up in the shroud travels from the shroud, through the ESD grounding clip, to the signal ground pin where it is harmlessly dissipated.

Abstract: A computing device (110) has a body comprising a mechanised socket (170). The socket (170) is retractable within a volume (150) enclosed by the body of the computing device (110). Activation of a mechanism causes the socket to extend (140) beyond said volume (150) into an extended position (270), allowing user-access to said socket (170). Advantageously, during normal active usage, the socket (170) is retracted within the volume enclosed by the body of the computing device (110).

Abstract: A cover assembly for attaching to an electrical box includes a base, a body and a cover hinged to the body. The assembly is mounted to the electrical box to protect an electrical device from moisture while allowing access to the electrical device. The base has a flange around the perimeter to form an open top end. The flange has a coupling member on its inner face to mate with an outer surface of the body.

Abstract: Secure cable connections in a structure. Cables are routed between a fixed surface and a removable surface to connectors within a lockable enclosure. Removable surfaces include raised floors, suspended ceilings, and the like that generally comprise tiles for access to an area between the removable surface and the fixed surface. Cable connectors are coupled to distribution panels, distribution cassettes, individual jacks, and/or other connectors within the lockable enclosure, which prevent unauthorized access to the cable connections. Cables are prefabricated to desired lengths with color coding and/or keyed connectors. Distribution cassettes, panels, jacks, and/or other connectors are also prefabricated with matching colors and/or keyed connectors to minimize installation time and connection errors. Lockable enclosures include concealed enclosures behind removable surfaces, integrated enclosures within removable surfaces, wall outlets, furniture outlets, and the like.

Abstract: The lever comprises a main plate portion, a supporter portion, and an arm. The main plate portion is laid in parallel with a predetermined plane. The supporter portion extends from the main plate portion. The arm is supported by the supporting portion and is bendable in a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction is not equal to a direction perpendicular to the predetermined plane. The arm is provided with a first engagement portion. The housing comprises an accommodation portion and a second engagement portion. The second engagement portion is formed in the accommodation portion. The housing accommodates and rotatably supports the main plate portion in the accommodation portion so that the lever is provided with rotary movement between a first position and a second position. The lever connector is connected to the mating connector and the first engagement portion is engaged with the second engagement portion upon rotation of the lever from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A card connector (100) for receiving a card (5), includes an insulative housing (1) having a card receiving space (11), a number of contacts (2) mounted in the insulative housing to contact with the card and an eject mechanism (3). The eject mechanism defines a slider (6) movably mounted on the housing and engageable with the card, a spring (10) for biasing the slider to move in a direction opposite to an insertion direction of the card, a cam mechanism including an cam (61) and a cam groove (62) formed around the cam having a starting point (62a), and a pin member (9) movable within the cam groove. The cam includes a first recessed portion (62c) and a second recessed portion (62e) both communicating with the cam groove, the pin member disengages from the first recessed portion and the second recessed portion upon ejection of the card.

Abstract: A memory card adapter (100) for receiving a memory card (6) includes an upper cover (2), a lower cover (1) engaging with the upper cover and defining a receiving space (10) therebetween, a contact module (3) and a conductive member (4). The contact module (3) includes a number of contacts (31), an insulative beam (32) over-molding the contacts and an insulative locking arm (33) integrally extending from the beam. The locking arm has a hook (331) extending into the receiving space (10) for mating with the memory card. The conductive member (4) has multiple conductive pads (42) electrically connecting with the contacts (31).

Abstract: A plug and socket system for electrical coupling of mains power, and safety socket cap devices are disclosed. The devices are an in line plug device FIG. 2 with a removable Semi hollow plug spigot 6 that houses removable electrical pin means 9/10. A wire clamping means FIG. 12/5; is attached to the Semi hollow plug spigot in one embodiment to retain wires to the pin terminals. A locking latch means FIG. 2/7, locks both the socket and the plug together FIG. 1 by a cantilevered latch FIG. 8, which is pushed into the socket and then is held in position by an internal slot inside the socket FIG. 10/9. The latch is released by using leverage with one or more fingers inside a finger hold FIG. 1/4, while depressing a button FIG. 1/3 or series of buttons FIG. 9/2 and the two devices can be separated. A water-resistant seal is created by the inclusion of an ‘O’ ring FIG. 4/11. The Semi hollow plug spigot depth FIG. 3/14 into the socket device and the locking of the two devices creates a tamper proof chamber.

Abstract: A coaxial switching jack with a pair of coaxial assemblies mounted within a housing having a pair of front openings. The coaxial assemblies each include a center conductor and a shell conductor. The center conductors are connected by a first spring and the shell conductors are connected by a second spring. Insertion of a coaxial cable connector within one of the front openings deflects the springs from the corresponding coaxial assembly and disconnects the center and shell conductors of the two assemblies. The jack may also be configured to provide an electrical connection between the center and shell conductors of the second coaxial assembly if a coaxial cable connector is inserted within the first coaxial assembly. The connection between the center and shell conductors of the second coaxial assembly may allow for selection of a desired electrical impedance.

Abstract: A multiple circuit receptacle system (100) is disclosed. The receptacle system (100) includes a junction block (102) having an incoming female connector set (122) adapted to be engaged with a cable assembly (180) for supplying incoming power to the junction block (102). He junction block (102) also has a further female connector set (154), electrically coupled to the incoming female connector set (122), through which power is supplied from the cable assembly (180). The incoming power is in the form of four separate circuits, each circuit having hot, neutral and ground terminals. An electrical outlet receptacle block (160) includes a series of outlet receptacles (159) and connector sets (179, 181) selectively connectable to the further connector set (154) of the junction block (102).

Abstract: The present voice and data telecommunications connector includes a set of wires each having a first end terminating in a first 50-pin amphenol connector for connecting to a 50-pin amphenol socket of a converged voice and data telecommunications device; a first group of said set of wires each having a second end terminating in a 50-pin amphenol connector for connecting to a 50-pin amphenol trunk socket of a compact integrated communications system device; and a second group of the set of wires each having a second end terminating in a 50-pin amphenol connector for connecting to a 50-pin amphenol station socket of the compact integrated communications system device. Another embodiment provides for a voice and data telecommunications connector that includes a set of wires having a first end terminating in a 50-pin amphenol connector and three 50-pin amphenol connectors for connecting to a modular integrated communications device.

Abstract: A connector, fixed on a circuit board for connecting to a signal line includes a base plate, a base body, a cover part and an elastic component. The base body is fixed on the base plate A circuit-board signal line at a bottom end of the base body is electrically coupled to the circuit board. The cover part, connected to the base body, can be opened or closed relative to the base body. The elastic component is for storing an elastic restoring force for engaging the cover part with the base body. By closing the cover part relative to the base body, the connector fixes the signal line in the base body such that the signal line is electrically coupled to the circuit-board signal line. When the cover part is opened relative to the base body, the signal line can be departed from the connector.

Abstract: A cable connector assembly (1?) including an insulative housing (10?) defining a forwardly extending mating port with a pair of opposite side portions, with at least one first retention cavity defined therein; a plurality of contacts (20?) disposed in the housing; a cover (5) being partially configured to be of an L-shape, said cover including a front and a rear covers (5a, 5b) assembled to the housing along the front-to-back direction and defining a pair of opposite side sections, with at least one downwardly extending second retention cavity defined therein; wherein the first retention cavity aligned with the corresponding second retention cavity in an up-to-down direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction; at least one locking member (60?) being configured to be of an L-shape and arranged aside corresponding L-shaped section of the cover, said locking member comprising a cover retention section received in the second retention cavity of the cover, and a housing retention section extending into t

Abstract: An electrical connection guide member guides insertion of an electrical connecting portion of an electronic apparatus to a complementary mating electrical connector having a first retention portion provided on a sidewall thereof. The guide member includes a connecting board; two opposed sideboards each vertically connected with two ends of the connecting board, wherein two opposed ends at one end of the two sideboards constitute a receiving opening, at least one fixing portion is disposed on one of the sideboards and corresponding to the receiving opening for fixing the complementary mating electrical connector; and a second retention portion is disposed on an inner surface of one of the sideboards and corresponding to the first retention portion; and a plurality of first guide portions disposed on the inner surface of one of the two sideboards for guiding insertion of an electrical connecting portion into a complementary mating electrical connector or connecting device.

Abstract: A flexible flat connector cable electrical contact including a first connection section adapted to be connected to an electrical conductor of a flexible flat conductor (FFC) cable; and a second connection section electrical coupled to the first connection section and adapted to be electrically connected to another member. The first connection section includes at least one staple feature having a hole and only two outwardly extending lances at the hole. Each lance has a pointed tip adapted to pierce through the electrical conductor of the FFC cable. The lances are adapted to be deformed back towards the electrical conductor to form a stapled connection of the first connection section to the FFC cable with only the two lances at the staple feature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a busbar connection module comprising a housing and a predetermined number of clamping devices arranged in the housing for receiving and fastening exposed line ends, comprising feet projecting on the underside of the clamping devices for fastening to busbars, the clamping devices being arranged in succession in a plane and being constructed without screws.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a connector assembly for terminating a plurality of discrete wires and for selective electrical interconnection with a header assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a front housing defining at least one channel therein; a rear housing selectively operatively connectable to the front housing, the rear housing including at least one passage formed therein and in operative association with a respective channel of the front housing, each passage terminating a respective discrete wire; and at least one contact disposed at least partially within each channel of the front housing and each corresponding passage of the rear housing. Each contact is configured and adapted to define a poke-in connection.

Abstract: A flat flexible cable with electrical conductors is disclosed for use in a vehicle. One or more of the conductors is configured to be attached to an external electrical device at an attachment point. The cable includes a region free from electrical conductors and an aperture formed through the conductor free region. The aperture is configured to be engaged with a cable engagement member to secure the cable to the electrical device and provide strain relief to the attachment point. The flat flexible cable can include a plurality of conductor free regions and a plurality of apertures in each of the one or more conductor free regions.

Abstract: A plug adaptor assembly includes a plug member having an insert end formed with a plurality of terminals; an adaptor member having one end formed with a plug hole, a plurality of terminals disposed within the plug hole in the end, and a mounting portion; and a connecting cable having opposite ends respectively connected to a mounting end of the plug member and the other end of the adaptor member for establishing electrical connection between the terminals of the plug member and the terminals of the adaptor member. When required, the mounting end of the plug member can be disposed on the mounting portion of the adaptor member.

Abstract: A cable termination assembly is made up of a connector body having a thin-walled outer sleeve with generally convex surface portion toward its entrance end which enables its use with a number of different compression member configurations to effect positive sealed engagement with one end of a cable, exemplary compression members including an inner connector sleeve-engaging wall surface which is of uniform diameter throughout its substantial length, one with a slight concavity at its leading end to facilitate preassembly onto the connector sleeve, and one with a combination of concave and convex surface portions.

Abstract: An electrical connector (100) adaptor for connecting with a complementary connector in a mating direction, comprises a shell (1), an insulative housing (2) received in the shell and a plurality of contacts (3) received in the housing. The shell comprises a top surface (11), a pair of lateral surfaces (13, 14), respectively, connecting with the top surface, and a rear surface (15), respectively, bent from the lateral surfaces. The two-part rear surface comprises a base plate (151) and a shielded plate (152) extending rearwardly from the base plate. Each contact comprises a tail portion (32) exposed out of the insulative housing. The shielded plate is above and covers the tail portions of the contacts.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (100) mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) includes an insulative housing (1) defining a pair of stacked receiving cavities (15, 16) for receiving a first and a second connector components (2, 3) therein, a holder (4) attached to the insulative housing and a metal shield enclosing the insulative housing. The holder (4) is fixed to a rear wall (14) of the insulative housing (1) and includes a vertical mating portion (41) and a pair of top and bottom portions (42, 43) extending backwardly from the mating portion. The top and bottom portions (42, 43) are parallel to each other wherein the top portion (42) is shorter than the bottom portion (43). An area of the top portion is smaller than that of the bottom portion.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a housing having an array of compartments, and substantially identical signal contact assemblies arranged in sets, each including a pair of the signal contact assemblies arranged opposite first and second orientations, and selectively installed in a respective pair of compartments. One ground contact may form a signal-signal-ground pattern, while two ground contacts may form a signal-signal-ground-ground pattern. Additionally, an electrical connector assembly includes a housing having at least two substantially identical signal contact assemblies, one in a first orientation, another in a second orientation. At least one recess is formed within the signal contact assembly; and at least one protruding ridge extends from the signal contact assembly. The recesses of the signal contact assembly in the first orientation receive at least one of the protruding ridges in a second orientation.

Abstract: A contact module assembly is provided for an electrical connector. The contact module assembly includes a lead frame having a plurality of terminals and a commoning member at least partially including an electrically conductive material. The commoning member has a plurality of tabs that are electrically connected to selected ones of the terminals, thereby electrically commoning the selected ones of the terminals. The commoning member can be configured with different patterns of the tabs to selectively configure the lead frame with different patterns of commoned terminals.

Abstract: A latching mechanism (200) for a surface contact card, used in a portable electronic device, includes a receiving cavity (11) defined in a body (10) and a latch module (12). The body defines a receiving cavity configured for receiving the surface contact card therein, and including a connector disposed in the receiving cavity. The latch module is mounted adjacent the receiving cavity, the latch module including a supporting portion and a rotating bar pivotably supported on the supporting portion. The latch module includes a supporting portion (13) and a rotating bar (300). The rotating bar includes an elastic member surroundingly formed thereon, the elastic member (302) being configured for providing a sufficient friction force to drive the surface contact card to move into or out the receiving cavity upon being pressed against the surface contact card.

Abstract: A parent-child type boat having an electric power generating device, such as a fuel cell. The boat includes a parent boat and at least one child boat which is smaller than the parent boat. The parent boat is equipped with a generating device. The child boat is equipped with a battery and an electric propulsion device. When the child boat is docked with the parent boat and electrically connected thereto, power can be supplied to at least one of the battery and the electric propulsion device of the child boat from the generating device of the parent boat.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle has retractable road wheels to allow planing over water. Power to the road wheels is disconnected automatically as the wheels are retracted. This may be achieved through a cable attached to a suspension rocker arm to disconnect a dog clutch attached to the input shaft of a differential as the wheels are retracted; and vice versa. The system may be fitted to a steered axle or to any suitable retractable suspension system.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes a bracket assembly that has a swivel bracket carrying a drive unit for pivotal movement about a steering axis that extends generally vertically. The swivel bracket has a tubular section that extends generally vertically. The drive unit has a steering member that includes a steering shaft section extending through the tubular section and defining the steering axis. The steering shaft section has top and bottom portions out of the tubular section. The steering shaft section further has an upper portion below the top portion within the tubular section, and a lower portion above the bottom portion within the tubular section. The tubular section has upper, lower and middle bushings. The upper and lower bushings pivotally support the upper and lower portions, respectively. The middle bushing pivotally supports a middle portion of the steering shaft section between the upper and lower portions.