Abstract: The present invention is to provide a female terminal for preventing an inserting segment from separating from one inner wall of a tube, and a connector utilizing the same. The female terminal has an electrical contacting portion and a projection. The electrical contacting portion has the tube accepting the inserting segment of a mating male terminal and a spring piece to be electrically connected with the inserting segment. The spring piece urges the inserting segment against the one inner wall of the tube and sandwiches the inserting segment with the one inner wall. A projection inwardly extends from another inner wall of the tube. The projection abuts on the inserting segment when the inserted segment separates from the one inner wall in a direction perpendicular to an inserting direction of the inserting segment so as to regulate the inserting segment to separate from the one inner wall.

Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting a cable to a card edge interface has a housing portion. The housing portion has a first surface, and a second surface opposite said first surface, and the surfaces are spaced apart to define a housing portion slot for the card edge interface. Furcated contact elements are disposed within the housing. Each contact element has a first tine portion with an exposed contact interface portion, a second tine portion; a web portion connecting the first and second tine portions, and a wire termination portion for terminating a conductor of the cable. The first and second tine portions are arranged within the housing portion with the contact interface exposed for mating with a respective contact surface of the card edge interface.

Abstract: A foil shaped lifting body is attached by means of a strut to the underwater body of a vessel in such a manner as to cause a standing wave to be developed when the vessel is in operation in order that the standing wave will induct water into machinery intakes. The technology of this invention is particularly applicable to the operation of waterjet marine propulsion systems.

Abstract: A shift system for outboard motors, which is reduced in size, and is capable securing compatibility with an outboard motor of a type for which the shift operation is manually performed using a shift cable. A motor-driven shift actuator is disposed at a location forward of and to the right of an engine within an engine cover covering the engine. A clutch motor is provided for the actuator and disposed at a location rearward thereof, with a motor output shaft disposed in a manner extending forward, and is operated in response to the detected vessel operator's shift. An actuator output shaft is disposed at a location forward of the clutch motor and extends downward from a front part of the actuator. The actuator output shaft rotates in accordance with rotation of the motor output shaft. A clutch shaft is disposed below the actuator and rearward of the actuator output shaft.

Abstract: A combined riser, offloading and mooring system is provided for the offloading of hydrocarbons from a floating production vessel (FPV), onto a tanker. The system preferably includes an offloading buoy tethered to the mudline by at least one mooring line. The offloading buoy and the mooring line can be part of an offloading buoy system for supporting a production riser and fluid jumper lines. Additionally, the offloading buoy system can support an offloading jumper line from the FPV to a fluid connector on the offloading buoy system through which hydrocarbon fluid is loaded via an offloading hose onto a tanker. The combined riser, offloading and mooring system also preferably includes at least one set of FPV mooring lines for securing the floating production vessel to the offloading buoy system. The system further preferably includes a hawser line for connecting the tanker to the offloading buoy system. In this manner, the number of mooring lines for the floating production vessel may be reduced.

Abstract: A swim fin having a web portion pivotably attached to a shoe portion that Is rotatable to a first position substantially perpendicular to the shoe portion for walking and a second position in a plane with the shoe portion for propulsion in water.

Abstract: A device includes a main body portion connected to a front body portion. The main body portion has a handle with a trigger. The front body portion has a through hole. A movable mouth portion is connected to the main body portion. The movable mouth portion includes a fixed wipe bar. A reservoir is located between the main body portion and the front body portion. The reservoir includes a clear front portion. The reservoir to hold liquid. A motorized bubble making unit is located between the main body portion and the front body portion. When the trigger is pulled the movable mouth portion is raised to expose a bubble forming ring and the motorized bubble making unit is activated to expel a stream of bubbles through the bubble forming ring.

Abstract: A toy race track providing a mat for simulating a stock car racing track is disclosed. The toy race track includes a plurality of interlocking tiles having top and bottom surfaces. Each interlocking tile top surface includes top surface indicia depicting a portion of a stock car race track. Upon interlocking the tiles, the various top surface indicia cooperate to depict a complete stock car race track.

Abstract: A dual functioning system for enabling a user to selectively monitor and entertain a subject comprises an entertainment system and a surveillance system. The entertainment system comprises a visual display, signal-delivering circuitry, signal-inputting hardware, and an extendable arm assembly. The arm assembly selectively positions the visual display for viewing by a target subject. The signal-inputting hardware enables the user to output stimuli upon the visual display via the signal-delivering circuitry. The visual display comprises at least one energy-passing aperture. The surveillance system comprises a camera assembly, data-transmitting circuitry, and monitoring hardware.

Abstract: A reinforced support bra having a pair of generally conically-shaped cups arranged for supporting a pair of breasts, each of the cups including an outer edge and a nipple tip portion. A back strap is attached to the cups and positioned for wearing around the torso, in the conventional fashion. Shoulder straps connected the top of the cups and the back strap and are adapted for placement over a wearer's shoulders. A non-stretchable reinforcing ring is attached to each of the cups and is placed generally concentric with the nipple tip portion between 40 percent and 95 percent of the distance from the outer edge of the cup and the nipple tip portion of said cup. Shoulder strap extensions may be provided and connected from the top of the cup to the ring to a shoulder strap, and slidingly disposed through a slide buckle so that lift can be tailored to the wearer's needs and preferences.

Abstract: During polishing of the semiconductor wafer by using a double-sided polisher, a larger difference as compared to the prior art is created between a frictional resistance acting on a front surface of a silicon wafer from an upper surface plate side and a frictional resistance acting on a back surface of the silicon wafer from a lower surface plate side. Thereby, respective wafers can be rotated at as 0.1 - 1.0 rpm within corresponding wafer holding holes. Accordingly, the rotation of the wafer would not be suspended even if there were any defective condition induced during polishing. Further, partial variation or deviation in polishing volume particular in the outer periphery of the wafer would be hard to occur. Therefore, the polish-sagging is suppressed and thus the improved degree of flatness of the wafer could be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polishing pad which imparts excellent planarity and uniformity thereof to a material to be polished, such as a semiconductor wafer, without forming scratches. The present invention relates to a semiconductor wafer polishing pad comprising a polishing layer and a cushion layer, wherein the polishing layer is formed from foamed polyurethane, has a flexural modulus of 250 to 350 MPa, the cushion layer is formed from closed-cell foam and has a thickness of 0.5 to 1.0 mm and a strain constant of 0.01 to 0.08 ?m/(gf/cm2).

Abstract: A surface polishing method that polishes the surface of a hard brittle material, such as a glass substrate, an oxide film of a silicon wafer, and a ceramic substrate is disclosed. In the surface polishing method, a fixed abrasive grain polishing tool is used, in which the fixed abrasive grains are a porous substance of granule type in which many primary grains are partially bonded with each other with spaces among them without having the binder therein. The surface polishing method includes the steps of supplying loose abrasive grain slurry between the fixed abrasive grain polishing tool and a surface to be polished of an object, and dressing the top parts of the abrasive grains of the fixed abrasive grain polishing tool which parts contact the surface to be polished of the object by the supplied loose abrasive grains.

Abstract: Methods and systems enable reuse of water in processing of animals into food. In one method, water used in processing of animals into food is received. The water is treated so as to convert the water into a treated from capable of being reused in the processing of the animals into food. The treating includes reducing the amount of solid particles in the water and adding gas to the water. The treated water is provided to be used in the food processing.

Abstract: The post chill decontamination tank assembly 24 usually is positioned at the exit end of a chiller 10 of a poultry processing line. Eviscerated birds fall into the decontamination tank 25 and the paddles 42A-42D of the paddle assembly 34 revolve in the tank about the axis 37 and collect and lift the birds through the liquid and discharge the birds from the tank. An antimicrobial is added to the liquid for treating the exposed surfaces of the birds.

Abstract: A compact coin distribution device is capable of separating a plurality of coin denominations that are stored in bulk. A separator feeding device removes the coins in a one-by-one manner to a transfer device for translating the coins in one direction. The denomination of the coins can be sensed and a plurality of coin selecting ports can be aligned on either side of a coin transfer path. A plurality of movable guide members form a support for the coins both at the bottom and side of the coins. An activating unit can selectively activate a specific guide member, to thereby enable a specific coin to be released into a specific coin selecting port. The ability of the coins to be released on either side of the transfer path enables an efficient and compact configuration.

Abstract: A top end portion of an outer peripheral surface of a coin feeding roller protrudes in a stacking section as a rotating friction surface so as to correspond to an end portion of a coin passage. A plurality of coins are conveyed to the end portion of the coin passage in a row in a direction of a diameter of the coins by operation of a conveying mechanism. The rotating friction surface of the feeding roller rotates while contacting a lower surface of a conveyed coin, to cause the coin to get over the rotating friction surface from an upstream side to a downstream side of the friction surface with respect to a direction of rotation thereof. Thus, the roller displaces a trailing edge of a previously conveyed coin upwards so that a leading edge of a subsequently conveyed coin can enter between the previously conveyed coin and the friction surface. By repeating this operation, conveyed coins are sequentially stacked in a stacking section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and conversion kits, that include all necessary components, to convert any style existing prior art fume hood into a stable vortex high performance low airflow fume hood that can accommodate varying size prior art fume hoods without altering the fume hood envelope or customizing the conversion kit. The articulating rear baffle can be lifted out for cleaning debris that collects in baffle conduit. The conversion can be accomplished without drilling mounting holes into an asbestos liner and can be applied on any size or style prior art fume hood. The present invention also provides a new fume hood incorporating the features of the method and kit.

Abstract: A device for control of the air flow rates into the instrument panel air outlets of a vehicle heating or air conditioning unit is described that is provided with a casing, with damper doors for both instrument panel side air outlets in the casing parts and at least one damper door for the instrument panel central air outlet in the casing part, whereby the damper doors are pivotably supported on one common shaft. Exactly one closing position is assigned to the damper doors in the first casing part, whereas several closing positions are assigned to the damper door in the second casing part continuously over a pivoting range of the shaft, whereby the closing position of the damper doors is arranged in the pivoting range of the damper door. This device enables separation and independent control of the air flow rates.

Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioner includes an airflow regulator disposed in a duct for regulating a rate of flow of temperature-controlled air to be discharged from an air outlet of the duct. The airflow regulator is formed by a plurality of hollow frustoconical members placed one over another in a nested condition. Each of the frustoconical members is open at a small end and a large end thereof and has at least one opening formed in a sidewall thereof. The frustoconical members are rotatable relative to one another about a common central axis thereof.

Abstract: A screen system which can be easily disassembled and includes a screen, a frame supporting the screen where the frame includes a hook, and a housing supporting the frame. The housing defines a retainer which interacts with the hook whereby upon rotation of the frame in a first direction the hook engages the retainer and upon rotation of the frame in a second direction the hook disengages the retainer allowing disassembly of the screen system. The screen system may be part of a ventilation system.

Abstract: A rock trap disposed in a feeder adapter of a combine directly behind a sickle bar of a combine header and in an area in front of a rearwardly directed conveyor located for receiving cut crop from transversely directed conveyor of the header. The rock trap has a trap door which can be selectively opened so as to drop beneath the header rocks collected therein.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming machine carries out a main game, such as a spinning reel type game, either using physical reels or simulated reels on a video screen. A special combination of symbols activates a video bonus game. The bonus game comprises a matrix of hidden values in the form of icons that may be selected by the player. The values that may be selected are displayed to the player in an order unrelated to the arrangement of the hidden values in the matrix so the player sees what she can possibly win. The player then makes her selections to win the hidden awards. In one embodiment, the player only makes a predetermined number of selections. In another embodiment, the player makes selections until an end-of-game value is selected. After each selection, the displayed values may change.

Abstract: The present invention in various embodiments provides a computerized wagering game method and apparatus that features an operating system kernel, a system handler application that loads and executes gaming program shared objects and features nonvolatile storage that facilitates sharing of information between gaming program objects. The system handler of some embodiments further provides an API library of functions callable from the gaming program objects, and facilitates the use of callback functions on change of data stored in nonvolatile storage. The nonvolatile storage also provides a nonvolatile record of the state of the computerized wagering game, providing protection against loss of the game state due to power loss. The system handler application in various embodiments includes a plurality of device handlers, providing an interface to selected hardware and the ability to monitor hardware-related events.

Abstract: In a gaming method, data indicative of a final outcome may be received, and an initial set of symbols indicative of the final outcome may be displayed if the data indicative of the final outcome indicates a winning outcome, the initial set of symbols including an initial winning subset of symbols and an initial non-winning subset of symbols. Player input data indicative of a subset of symbols in the initial set to be discarded may be received, and replacement symbols may be determined such that a final set of symbols is indicative of the final outcome if the subset of symbols to be discarded includes at least one symbol from the initial winning subset, wherein the final set of symbols includes the replacement symbols in place of the subset of symbols to be discarded. The final set of symbols may be displayed, and an award corresponding to the winning outcome may be provided.

Abstract: A gaming device having a plurality of player selectable selections, steps towards termination associated with each selection, a termination limit and an offer associated with each number of steps. The steps are associated with or determine the offers provided to the player. The game provides no further offers when the maximum number of offers have been awarded, the player accepts an offer, or the player's accumulated steps meet or exceed the termination limit. The game preferably provides a consolation award to the player when the player's steps meet or exceed the termination limit.

Abstract: A gaming device having a game which requires the same average investment from a player to win an award, including a jackpot award, regardless of the amount that the player bets at any one time, The award can be unchanging, e.g., $10,000, each time a player plays the gaming device. The award can also vary such as with a progressive jackpot i.e., the jackpot builds unfit a player “hits” the jackpot. The game enables the average investment necessary to win the jackpot to be uniform by varying the odds of winning the jackpot as the players bet varies. That is, a player betting less money needs to play the game more times, on average, to win the jackpot. Likewise, a player betting more money needs to play the game less times, on average, to win the jackpot. The average overall bet or investment thus remains constant despite the players betting habits or betting ability.

Abstract: A number matching game which can be employed in both a gaming device and in live gaming at a casino. The player picks one or more numbers from a number pool. The gaming device or house draws randomly at least one number from the pool. An award is provided to the player based on an amount of matches between the player selected number(s) and the game drawn number(s). In one embodiment, when the game displays a player picked number, the game also displays if the number results in a match. In another embodiment, one or more of either or both of the game drawn number and player selected number is weighted, for example by attaching different amounts of points to the numbers, wherein the award is based on the accumulated points of matched numbers. The above embodiments are combined and can have various outcomes, such as bonus outcomes.

Abstract: A gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards until there are no more awards or until one or more termination variables reaches a predetermined limit is provided. A random generation device generates awards upon a player input. One or more termination variables is used, each defined by or divisible into a plurality of units, wherein a random generation device generates an amount of units upon a player input. A game termination limit of accumulated or lost termination units is provided, wherein a player generates awards until accumulating the termination limit of units.

Abstract: A gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards until there are no more awards or until one or more termination variables reaches a predetermined limit is provided. A random generation device generates awards upon a player input. One or more termination variables is used, each defined by or divisible into a plurality of units, wherein a random generation device generates an amount of units upon a player input. A game termination limit of accumulated or lost termination units is provided, wherein a player generates awards until accumulating the termination limit of units.

Abstract: A gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards until there are no more awards or until one or more termination variables reaches a predetermined limit is provided. A random generation device generates awards upon a player input. One or more termination variables is used, each defined by or divisible into a plurality of units, wherein a random generation device generates an amount of units upon a player input. A game termination limit of accumulated or lost termination units is provided, wherein a player generates awards until accumulating the termination limit of units.

Abstract: A gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards until there are no more awards or until one or more termination variables reaches a predetermined limit is provided. A random generation device generates awards upon a player input. One or more termination variables is used, each defined by or divisible into a plurality of units, wherein a random generation device generates an amount of units upon a player input. A game termination limit of accumulated or lost termination units is provided, wherein a player generates awards until accumulating the termination limit of units.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a gaming system distributed across both local (LAN) and wide (WAN) area networks that enables responsible gaming for its users. More specifically, the invention provides a system and method that requires users to register with the system and which thereafter enables the users to set time-based or money-based gaming limitations that will exclude them from the system if these limitations are realized. The system may be deployed across one or more jurisdictions, such as states, provinces, regions or countries.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes two LCDs, and a touch panel is provided in relation to the one LCD. When an action game is started, a game screen is displayed on the other LCD, and a still image (capture screen) obtained by copying the game screen according to a capture operation by a player is displayed on the one LCD. When an enemy object on the capture screen is directed, stroked, and so forth by use of the touch panel, the enemy object on the game screen is frozen or erased.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for presenting information in a video game. In one implementation, an entertainment system includes: a game console; a display device connected to said game console; and a video game application program; wherein when said game console executes said video game application program, said game console causes said display device to display an information gauge; wherein said information gauge includes: an action bar having a start end and a goal end, and a plurality of character icons presented at respective points on the action bar, each character icon representing a respective character in the video game; wherein said character icons move along said action bar over time in the direction from said start end to said goal end; and wherein when a character icon reaches said goal end, the character corresponding to that character icon has an opportunity to perform an action in the video game.

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

Abstract: In a third-person shooter video game, the viewing perspective is smoothly transitioned between an “explorer” viewpoint and a “ready” viewpoint as game conditions change. In the “explore” viewpoint, scenes are depicted from a camera positioned behind and removed from a character. The explorer viewpoint offers a wide angle of view of the surrounding combat area, enabling the game player to scout the terrain. In the “ready” viewpoint, scenes are depicted from the camera as it is repositioned close to the character. The ready viewpoint provides a narrower angle of view to facilitate better aiming when the character is engaged in armed combat. The transition between the explorerr and ready viewpoints tracks a non-linear path.

Abstract: A remote gaming method comprising a player accessing, via a remote terminal, a gaming site on a global computer network connected to the remote terminal. The player is able to provide via the remote terminal, personal identification information to the gaming site and select, via the remote terminal, a game of chance located at a gaming establishment for remote play. The remote terminal is located outside the gaming establishment. The player places, via the remote terminal, a wager for playing the selected game and receives randomly generated text or graphical outcome data at the remote terminal for the selected game. The outcome data being generated by either a gaming server or a gaming machine at the gaming establishment and is subsequently relayed to the gaming site.

Abstract: An on-line gaming environment provides a forum for competitors to play against each other. Each competitor pays a fee for a game which comprises a number of rounds. A prize fund is generated for each competitor from their entry fee and the prize for a round is the combined prize funds of the two competitors. In each round, opponents are selected at random. A player who loses any rounds is eliminated from the game. A player who wins a predetermined number of consecutive games wins the accumulated fund. Players may select between a number of available games to play and may switch which game is being played in between rounds.

Abstract: A connecting assembly between a shaft journal (11) which is supported, and a universal joint (12) whose inner joint part (24) is engaged by the shaft journal (11) in a rotationally fast way, wherein there is provided an axially effective engaging connection between a securing sleeve (41) axially firmly connected to the inner joint part (24) and an annular groove (39) on the shaft journal (11).

Abstract: A grip for the handle of a golf club having a single polyurethane-felt panel that is wrapped about an underlisting sleeve. The side edges of the panel are adhesively sealed together. The unitary grip reduces impact shock and also provides a feeling of tackiness in the manner of a spirally wrapped polyurethane-felt grip.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a heel end, a toe end, a front wall arranged for impacting a golf ball, and a crown extending between the heel and toe ends. The crown has a front portion and a rear portion. A sole extends between the heel and toe ends and extends between the front wall and the crown rear portion. The sole includes a primary portion and a relief portion. The sole relief portion extends rearwardly away from the front wall and upwardly toward the crown rear portion when the sole primary portion is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface. The sole relief portion may vary in thickness and may include a weight pad. The golf club head may have a hollow interior cavity with the crown curving inwardly toward the cavity between its front and rear portions.

Abstract: A golf club head of the present invention includes a face portion having an impact surface that impacts a golf ball and is made from a metallic material, and a crown portion, a heel portion, a sole portion, and the toe portion that are adjacent to the face portion. In at least two portions from among the crown portion, the heel portion, the sole portion, and the toe portion, at least one from among dissimilar metallic materials that differ from the metallic material of the impact surface and fiber reinforced plastic materials is used in regions along ends that are adjacent to the face portion, within a range of 30 mm from the adjacent ends. Thereby, the golf club has a structure that easily deforms with respect to golf ball impacts, and the face portion deforms more than conventional face portions. The coeffecient of restitution of a struck golf ball therefore increases, the initial velocity of the golf ball increases, and the carry distance increases.

Abstract: A system for practicing pitching includes a batter mannequin which is selectively movable to a right handed batting position or to a left handed batting position. The batter also can be selectively moved toward and away from home plate, and has a head which automatically faces the pitcher. A catcher mannequin is disposed behind the batter mannequin, the catcher mannequin being selectively positionable along a transverse path. The catcher mannequin has a mitt which may be selectively positioned up or down. The various movements of the batter mannequin and the catcher mannequin are remotely controlled using a remote control unit.

Abstract: Enhanced-grip foamed play balls, such as compressible, foamed play balls that are at least substantially formed from a foamed material and which include an exterior surface that is partially formed from the foamed material and partially formed from discrete regions of a different material that provides a grip-enhancing structure. In some embodiments, the grip-enhancing structure is formed from an elastomer. In some embodiments, the grip-enhancing structure has at least one of greater friction, greater density, greater weight, increased tackiness, decreased porosity, tread structure, projecting tread structure, and/or decreased compressibility than the foamed material. Methods for forming foamed play balls with grip-enhancing structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transmission having a steplessly adjustable transmission ratio that includes an endless torque-transmitting element in the form of a plate-link chain. The chain is adapted to pass over and around two pairs of conical disks, and it includes a number of side-by-side plate links having openings for receiving pressure members that interconnect plate links and that have end faces that frictionally engage the conical disks. The plate links are arranged in transverse rows and in longitudinal rows. Each of the outermost lateral edges of the chain is defined by pairs of side-by-side plate links.

Abstract: A vehicular drive apparatus includes a case, a first brake having a first friction plate set and a second brake having a second friction plate set wherein the first friction plate set and the second friction plate set are sequentially arranged on a single axis, and a first hydraulic servo arranged to correspond to the first brake and a second hydraulic servo arranged to correspond to the second brake.

Abstract: A transmission is provided that combines first and second countershafts with a planetary gear set, and uses first and second head gear sets to provide ratio. Each of the countershafts supports gears in no more than five co-planar, intermeshing gear sets (and in most embodiments no more than four co-planar, intermeshing gear sets), thus minimizing the overall length of the countershafts. The transmission provides at least nine forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio and utilizes only eight torque-transmitting mechanisms.

Abstract: A differential assembly for a machine includes a ring gear, first and second differential side gears and a plurality of pinions configured to mesh with the first and second side gears, and mounted on at least one pinion support pin. An inner differential housing is rotatably supported by an outer differential housing, and includes a torque transmitting hub configured to couple the ring gear with the first and second side gears via at least two pinions. The hub including a plurality of radial spokes and an outer rim portion having pinion support pin bores therein.

Abstract: A multistep automatic transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft, three planetary gearsets and five shifting elements. A sun gear of the third planetary gearset is affixed above the first shifting element to a transmission housing. The input shaft is bound to a sun gear of the second planetary gearset and is bound above the second shifting element with a sun gear of the first planetary gearset and/or by way of the fifth shifting element with a link of the first planetary gearset. The output shaft is bound together with the internal gear of the first planetary gearset and one of the links of the second or third planetary gearset. The second planetary gearset is located in the middle of the three planetary gearsets and is placed beside the third planetary gearset. The second and fifth shifting elements are placed between the first and second planetary gearsets.