Abstract: A fastener with a shank and, arranged at one end of the shank, a head intended for welding to a workpiece, has multiple detent pawls formed on the shank that extend radially outward from the shank toward the head and that are elastically resilient in the radially inward direction. On the outside, each detent pawl has an engagement recess with support surfaces. The shank has a longitudinal hole, in which is located a stud, wherein one end of the stud projects out of the longitudinal hole and forms the head for welding. Also formed on the shank is a flange that is elastically resilient in the axial direction, whose outermost edge region is located opposite the engagement recess of the detent pawls.

Abstract: A magnetic clasp for an article of jewelry is provided. The clasp includes a pair of mating male and female members, an alignment groove on one member, and associated alignment projection on the other member and a safety catch. The pair of mating male and female members are arranged to be magnetically coupled to each other. The safety catch is arranged to be moved to a locked position to mechanically releasably secure the male and female members together when they are aligned. The alignment groove is shaped to facilitate and guide the projection into it when the two members are magnetically coupled and appropriately aligned so that the safety catch can be moved to the closed position to thereby releasably lock the members together.

Abstract: A closure for a brassiere has two closure parts of identical shape that may be fixedly and releasably connected to one another by non-positive or positive mutual engagement of at least two latching devices that are arranged and designed to be point-symmetrical relative to the closure. The closure parts have slot-shaped eyes with a relatively parallel path of the longitudinal edges of the eye openings substantially symmetrically relative to a longitudinal central plane of the closure extending between the eye openings. Stable latching pins are provided extending substantially at right angles to the separation plane and pass through a female latching opening of the other closure part and engage behind a latching region of the edge thereof with a latching projection.

Abstract: A zipper closure system for allowing one hand zipping of objects requiring sufficient compressive force to close is provided. The zipper closure system comprises a set of tracks having a row of teeth mate-able with other, a plurality of sliders that are adapted to move along the row of teeth, a connector joining the plurality of sliders and allowing the user to move the plurality of sliders along the row of fasteners. The zipper system can further comprise a pull ring, and a stopping means.

Abstract: A slider (1) for a zip fastener is described, said fastener comprising a base (2) and a back part (3) which are integral with each other and between which the rows of teeth (4i) of the said fastener are arranged, as well as an engaging member (5) projecting upwards from the said back part (3) and able to be constrained to the connecting ring (6) of a pull-tab, the said engaging member (5) being shaped substantially in the manner of a U having a first side (7) of the two parallel sides (7, 8) fixed to the said base (2) and the second side (8) facing in a parallel manner the back part (3) and terminating in a hook-shaped portion (9) which is bent inwards, at least the third side (10) of the U which connects said sides perpendicularly being flexurally resilient.

Abstract: A fastener first member connects to a second member by a flexible tether. A third member having multiple deflectable wings slides onto the second member. A first member male pin extends through a third member aperture to engage second member biasing elements, joining the first, second and third members.

Abstract: A buckle mechanism includes a base coupled to a strap, an operating arm rotatably secured to the base with a stationary axle, a shaft attached to the operating arm, a latch slidably attached to the operating arm to selectively lock the operating arm to the base, and another strap engaged around the stationary axle to form two strap segments, the shaft may force the strap segments to tighten the straps, the rotatable or swingable shaft is arranged or located between the stationary axle and the bottom panel of the base for engaging with and for forcing the strap segments and for tighten the straps. The stationary axle may also be arranged or located between the shaft and the bottom panel of the base.

Abstract: A buckle device includes a base coupled to a strap, an operating arm rotatably secured to the base with a stationary axle, a shaft attached to the operating arm, a latch slidably attached to the operating arm to selectively lock the operating arm to the base, and another strap engaged around the stationary axle to form two strap segments, the shaft may force the strap segment to tighten the straps, the base includes one or more fasten notches for engaging with the latch for retaining the latch and the operating arm to the base at a fastening position when the straps may further be pulled away from each other, and includes one or more lock notches for solidly locking the latch.

Abstract: This invention primarily discusses the recent improvements to U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,944. The focus is on quick tightening/loosening of the lock that is formed between the ligature and the frame, managing the extra ligature length, decorating the system, improving performance and, extending the design to a wearable having structures similar to pants. In some applications a short ligature that passes underneath ligature loops and in others a donut-shaped object is used to solve tightening/loosening problems. Tucking the extra ligature length under an elastic strap or inside a slot formed within the frame manages the ligature. To enhance the performance of the system methods that reduce the friction between the ligature and the frame are discussed. Specifically, the use of back-to-back eyelet system, curved pathways between holes and, frictionless rollers are detailed. The invention discusses the used of a raised crisscross(s) as an additional method to enhance the performance.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator comprises a piezoelectric material layer 101, a first electrode 102 formed on one major surface of the piezoelectric material layer 101, and having a cross-section in the shape of a trapezoid whose longer side contacts the piezoelectric material layer 101, and a second electrode 103 formed on the other major surface of the piezoelectric material layer 101, and having a cross-section in the shape of a trapezoid whose longer side contacts the piezoelectric material layer 101.

Abstract: A multi-layer piezoelectric element having high durability wherein the internal electrodes and the external electrodes do not break even when operated continuously over a long time under high electric field and high pressure is provided. The multi-layer piezoelectric element comprises a stack formed by stacking at least one piezoelectric layer and internal electrodes consisting of first and second internal electrodes one on another, and external electrodes formed on two side faces of the stack with one of which being connected to the first internal electrode and the other external electrode being connected to the second internal electrode, wherein the external electrodes contain a conductive material and glass, the side whereon the external electrode is formed has cleft which has a wedge which contains glass formed therein, and the cleft is filled with the glass contained in the wedge and glass contained in the external electrode.

Abstract: A turret lathe for machining a workpiece held by a spindle, the turret lathe comprising: a turret tool post having tool holding faces; a sensor for measuring dimensions of the workpiece; and a support strut which is mounted on one of the tool holding faces, holds the sensor and extends and shortens a sensor distance which is a distance between the one of the tool holding faces and the sensor in a radial direction of the turret tool post, wherein, while the sensor distance is shortened, a length of the support strut in the radial direction is such that the support strut and the sensor do not interfere with another structural element of the turret lathe when the turret tool post rotates.

Abstract: To provide a conveying and assembling system in which an operation area where a person coexisting type assembling device and an operator coexist is efficiency distributed, The operation area includes an area A1 where a person coexisting type assembling device R and an operator SS cooperate, an area A2 where the person coexisting type assembling device independently moves, and areas A3 and A4 where the operator independently operates while the person coexisting type assembling device R independently moves. In the operation area, a main line ML along which a vehicle body W moves in the arrow direction (leftward) in a suspended manner, a sub line SL along which the person coexisting type assembling device R travels, a tank mounting base TB, a tank housing shelf TT, and a component mounting base BB are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for maintaining orientation of a manufactured part during a manufacturing process. The invention includes feeding a carrier from at least one supply apparatus. The carrier includes a flexible material and the supply apparatus stores the carrier such that the carrier may be fed from the supply apparatus. The invention includes feeding the carrier into a part forming module used by a manufacturing process to form a manufactured part and forming a plurality of manufactured parts onto the carrier as the carrier is fed into the part forming module.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for mounting a rotor to a motor shaft having a rotor with a centrally positioned central bore, the diameter of which is slightly larger than a diameter of the motor shaft, a first stepped bore intersecting the central bore and being aligned along a first axis of the rotor, and a second stepped bore also intersecting the central bore and being aligned along a second axis of the rotor. A first cam fastener is disposed within the first stepped bore, and a second cam fastener is disposed within the second stepped bore. Upon rotating the first and second cam fasteners, they engage the motor shaft thereby securely clamping the rotor to the motor shaft.

Abstract: There is provided a rotating electric machine capable of reducing torque pulsation, even when a slight stepped portion is present in an inner diameter shape of a stator core formed by allowing coupling split cores divided in every magnetic pole to be in an annular shape. The stator core is formed by stacking a plurality of laminates prepared by stack of coupling split core members formed by punching steel sheets in an annularly arranged shape in a state where the laminates are rotated one another by a predetermined angle. With such a configuration, it is possible to mutually offset torque pulsation components caused by the shape asymmetry of the laminates and reduce the torque pulsation components of the stator core on the whole.

Abstract: A sleeve and a hub are fixed to each other, and then the sleeve and the hub are gripped and rotated around a central axis, during which cutting is performed over the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve and a flange surface of the hub. Thus, the flange surface can be finished accurately such that the flange surface is normal to the central axis and the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A coreless AC linear motor, including a magnet assembly forming a magnetic gap, and a can, the can further including a coil housing section forming a deep groove. The motor also includes a plurality of coreless coils inserted into the deep groove and arranged in a straight line inside the magnetic gap, and a cover body for sealing the can.

Abstract: The model is designed in such a way that the parts are joined by specially adapted magnets. This adaptation involves the use of at least one shell (4) made from ferromagnetic material, open on one side, and equipped with a means of attaching itself to one of the parts to be joined (2), which will house and hold a magnet in place in its interior (5), and whose open side will be covered by another of the parts to be joined (3), to create a continuous magnetic field with closed (10) loops around the shell (14), ensuring that only the magnetised area of the other part to be joined (2) will cover the open side of the shell, creating the link between the parts. The use of the magnets optimises the time required for the assembly of the model and changes to its configuration, in order to carry out different tests, thereby increasing the productivity of the test.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging a tape substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of robotic arms, a plurality of clamping elements attached to the robotic arms, a memory having a program stored therein, and a control module coupled to the memory to execute the program to perform a packaging process. The packaging process includes clamping a plurality of segments of a tape substrate to the clamping elements, encapsulating a first chip to a first side of a tape substrate to form a first capsule in a first segment, and securing a second segment of the tape substrate adjacent the first segment to a second clamping element. The packing process also includes moving the robotic arms relative to one another to stack the second segment over the first capsule. The first clamping element and second clamping element move independently of each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a light emitting element, enabling positioning on an object with precision with reference to the optic axis of a light emitting element, and mounting the element.

Abstract: An electronics assembly apparatus with improved pick evaluation is provided. The apparatus includes a placement head having at least one nozzle for releasably picking up and holding a component. A robotic system is provided for generating relative movement between the placement head and a workpiece, such as a circuit board. An image acquisition system is disposed to obtain at least one before-pick image of a component pick up location and at least one after-pick image of the component pick up location. The before-pick image contains a plurality of image portions, having each image portion view the pick-up location from a different point of view, while the after-pick image contains a plurality of image portions, having each image portion view the pick-up location from a different point of view.

Abstract: A tool head assembly and method for ganged connection of insulated conductors to the IDC connectors of an IDC connector panel, in which the positions of wire insert blades inside the tool head are adjusted and then locked in place before forcing the tool head and connector panel together.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a circuit board containing a component and circuit board containing a component. The invention is based on first manufacturing an intermediate product, which contains the insulator layer of the circuit board and the components, which are set in place inside the insulator layer in such a way that the contact elements of the components face the surface of the intermediate product. After this, the intermediate product is transferred to the circuit-board manufacturing line, on which a suitable number of conductor-pattern layers and, if necessary, insulator layers are manufactured on one or both sides of the intermediate product, in such a way that, when manufacturing the first conductor-pattern layer, the conductor material forms an electrical contact with the contact elements of the components. Alternatively, stages can also be performed on a single manufacturing line.

Abstract: Various capacitors for use with integrated circuits and other devices and fabrication methods are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes forming a first capacitor plate that has at least two non-linear strips and forming a second capacitor plate that has a non-linear strip positioned between the at least two non-linear strips of the first capacitor plate. A dielectric is provided between the non-linear strip of the second capacitor plate and the at least two non-linear strips of the first capacitor plate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board is disclosed. The method may include: sequentially stacking an acid-resistant first cover layer and an alkali-resistant second cover layer over a copper foil, for a copper clad laminate that includes the copper foil stacked over one side of an insulation layer; forming an intaglio groove by removing portions of the second cover layer, the first cover layer, and the copper clad laminate; stacking a seed layer over the intaglio groove and the second cover layer; removing a portion of the seed layer stacked over the second cover layer, by stripping the second cover layer; forming a plating layer, by plating an inside of the intaglio groove; stripping the first cover layer; and removing the copper foil exposed by the stripping of the first cover layer.

Abstract: A packaged microelectronic element includes connection component incorporating a dielectric layer (22) carrying traces (58) remote from an outer surface (26), posts (48) extending from the traces and projecting beyond the outer surface of the dielectric, and pads (30) exposed at the outer surface of the dielectric layer, the pads being connected to the posts by the traces. The dielectric element overlies the front surface of a microelectronic element, and contacts (74) exposed on the front surface of the microelectronic element are connected to the pads by elongated leads (76) such as wire bonds. Methods of making the connection component are also disclosed.

Abstract: A passage intake control device includes a passage member, a valve disposed in the passage member and a shaft passing through a through hole of a valve shaft part of the valve. The valve shaft part includes a fitting hole portion as a part of the through hole. The fitting hole portion is provided by at least a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall. The shaft includes a fitting part having a polygonal shape including at least a first shaft surface a second shaft surface, a third shaft surface and a fourth shaft surface. The fitting part is fitted in the fitting hole portion such that the first to fourth shaft surfaces are opposed to the first to fourth walls of the fitting hole portion, respectively. The first and second walls have protruded ribs. The third and fourth walls include flat portions.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a liquid ejection head provided with a flow passage communicating with an ejection outlet for ejecting liquid includes steps of preparing a substrate on which a flow passage wall forming member for forming a part of a wall of the flow passage and a solid layer having a shape of a part of the flow passage contact each other, wherein the flow passage wall forming member has a height, from a surface of the substrate, substantially equal to that of the solid layer; providing on the solid layer a pattern having a shape of another part of the flow passage; providing a coating layer, for forming another part of the wall of the flow passage, so as to coat the pattern; providing the ejection outlet to the coating layer; and forming the flow passage by removing the solid layer and the pattern.

Abstract: A mechanical draft cooling tower includes an air inlet and an air outlet. A liquid spray assembly is provided below the air outlet. A fill shell assembly is provided below the liquid spray assembly such that liquid can be sprayed onto the fill sheet assembly. An indirect heat exchange assembly is mounted beneath the fill sheet assembly. The indirect assembly usually comprises a series of coils through which a fluid to be cooled is circulated. A first air inlet is provided beneath the fill sheet assembly and includes a closing assembly. A second air inlet is provided beneath a top surface of the indirect assembly and includes a closing assembly.

Abstract: A connector sleeve for joining conduit, and a joint construction, and a coupling assembly for joining conduit; and a method for joining conduit using a coupling assembly.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hydrogen generator of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a hydrogen generator including: a water evaporator which has an inner tube, an outer tube, and a spacer disposed between the inner tube and the outer tube and in which a passage defined by the spacer is supplied with water and a raw material and heated to generate a material gas containing steam; and a reformer which has catalyst and in which the catalyst is heated to generate the material gas containing the steam from the material gas containing the steam, and the method includes: a disposing step (S2) of disposing the spacer between the inner tube and the outer tube; and a tube expanding step (S3) of expanding the inner tube to form the passage defined by the spacer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to fabricate a restorative prosthesis. The system includes a scanner to intra orally capture color and translucency information along with a three dimensional (3D) shape of the dentition being reconstructed. The system also includes a computer aided design (CAD) module to receive the color and translucency information and the 3D shape to render a color accurate representation of the prosthesis for review, wherein the color, translucency and surface information is combined in a single digital prescription which is electronically transferred to a laboratory or CAD/CAM system for fabrication. The system provides the capability for 3D shape, color and translucency characteristics of the final prosthesis to be measured and quantitatively compared to the prescribed requirements.

Abstract: During the manufacture an aircraft, a tool-carrying rail is removably attached to a rail-side surface of the aircraft with a vacuum cup. The tool-carrying rail includes a longitudinal axis to mount a tool. The vacuum cup is stiffened along a first axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tool-carrying rail and the vacuum cup is stiffened along a second axis parallel to the rail-side surface of the aircraft. To removably attach the tool-carrying rail, a perimeter of the vacuum cup is removably sealed to the rail-side surface of the aircraft against vacuum loss and a point on the rail is rigidly positioned with respect to a point on the rail-side surface of the aircraft. In addition, a vacuum source is coupled to a spatial volume occupying all of a space between the vacuum cup and the rail-side surface of the aircraft and the tool is slidably positioned along the longitudinal axis of the tool-carrying rail.

Abstract: A primary product is formed by performing forward extrusion of a work in the first step, and a secondary product is formed by performing swaging in the second step. In the third step, preliminary pushing of the upper surface of the secondary product is performed to obtain a tertiary product where a recess generally matching the longitudinal section in the axial direction of the bottom wall of a cup portion of the final product is formed in the upper surface. In the fourth step, a quaternary product having a cup portion provided with a ball rolling groove in the inner wall is formed by performing backward extrusion of the tertiary product by using a punch having a tip shape generally matching the longitudinal section of the recess. Finally, in the fifth step, an outer ring member is produced as a final product by performing ironing of the cup portion of the quaternary product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electric shaver having a shaver housing, and a shaving head housing that is connected to the shaver housing for pivotal movement between two end positions. The shaving head housing carries at least two shaving assemblies, of which at least one shaving assembly is retractable into the housing to a first, retracted position, and elastically biased toward a second, extended position, such that extension of the at least one shaving assembly is a function of contact pressure applied by a user. Actuating elements carried by the shaving head housing control a maximum degree of extension of the at least one shaving assembly as a function of a pivot angle between the shaver housing and the shaving head housing.

Abstract: An electric shaver has a pivotally mounted longhair cutter unit that is pivoted outward into an operating position by motion of an operating switch of the shaver via an actuator that also causes the cutting blades of the longhair cutter unit to extend from the longhair cutter housing. Because the longhair cutter retracts into the longhair cutter housing when the longhair cutter unit is folded shut, the sharp edges of the blades are protected.

Abstract: A shaving head for an electric shaving apparatus, having an under cutter comprising at least one blade which is drivable in at least one direction of movement relative to an outer cutter. To achieve a good shaving result while at the same time protecting the skin to be best possible effect, it is proposed providing the blade with an outer boundary section which is raised in relation to the cutting edge, faces in the direction of the outer cutter and inclines upwardly from the cutting edge toward the outer cutter.

Abstract: A shaving unit for a dry shaver includes at least one outer cutter and one under cutter. Driven by a motor, the outer cutter and the under cutter are movable relative to each other in an oscillatory motion. The under cutter and the outer cutter, which are biased into relative engagement by at least one spring, slide along a common contact surface. The spring is arranged in such a way that its biasing force always acts at an angle to the direction of oscillation.

Abstract: A folding knife with thumb release opening includes a knife blade, a first liner plate, a second liner plate, a first handle plate and a second handle plate. The knife blade includes a cutting edge and a point formed on a first end. A second end of the knife blade is pivotally retained by a first end of first and second liner plates. A push button is retained in the knife blade. A liner lock is formed in the second liner plate. A lock pin is pressed into an end of the liner lock and a lock hole is formed in the second end of the knife blade to receive the lock pin. The first and second handle plates cover the first and second liner plates. The push button may be replaced with a thumb disc. A second embodiment includes spring assisted opening and a third embodiment includes automatic opening.

Abstract: The present invention is a culinary knife, intended for one handed use, comprising a handle and a blade having a cutting edge as its bottom perimeter. The entire length of the handle of the knife is joined contiguously against the spine of the blade leaving no aperture between them. This joining of the handle and blade results in the user gripping onto rather than around the handle of the knife. The handle does not extend beyond the rear of the blade, thus the user grips the knife above part of the cutting edge. This provides the user the ability to apply direct downward force for cutting and provides enhanced ability to use the palm and digits to apply finely directed force and movement to the knife. Both the location of the user hand and its proximity to the blade further enhance fine control and ease of use of the knife.

Abstract: A fingerlike apparatus that attaches to a chain saw guide bar. The apparatus is metal. A proximal end portion of the apparatus is continuously joined to a distal end portion. The distal end portion is positioned at an acute angle to the proximal end portion and away from the plane of the chain saw guide bar. The distal end portion is provided with a surface area away from the cutting plane of a chain saw upon which small limbs, branches or the like may be rested and/or manipulated by an operator before making a cut.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a body defining a wall having a groove in which mounted the driving mechanism, which is provided for driving a cutter and includes a fixture mounted thereon for connecting a safeguard and a position adjusting mechanism connected thereto for operably adjusting positions of the driving mechanism in the groove. An adjustable retaining member which selectively moves on the fixture in a first position for retaining the safeguard in the space and a second position for allowing removal of the safeguard.

Abstract: A rotary angle detecting device includes a synthetic-resin wheel member which is provided with a shaft hole, into which a steering shaft having a pair of flat surfaces provided in a front end portion thereof is inserted, and a detecting portion and which rotates together with the steering shaft; a sheet-metal attachment member attached to the wheel member and engaged to the steering shaft; a signal detecting unit operable to detect a position variation of the detecting portion accompanied by the rotation of the wheel member; and a housing provided with a through-hole into which the steering shaft is rotatably inserted and accommodating the wheel member and the signal detecting unit.

Abstract: An archery bow sight has a sight tube which is fixed to a link arm which extends between two rotatable members mounted to a frame which is connected to the riser of a bow. The arm is pinned to the rear rotatable member at a radius which is less than the radius at which it is pinned to the front rotatable member. The rotation of the rotatable members is synchronized by a connector such as an intermediate gear, a timing belt, a rigid link, or a linked chain. By rotation of a range adjustment knob, the sight tube is caused to change simultaneously in inclination and in height in such a way that the archer may continue to view the target through the sight tube. The sight tube has a fiber optic sight point. The relationship between the rotating members and the link arm is adjustable for draw length.

Abstract: In a position control arrangement for controlling the rotational position of a movable unit, especially for a surveying instrument, an electric motor is arranged to rotate the movable unit around an axis of rotation, and there are controllers for enabling the motor to stop the movable unit in a desired rotational position. The motor is a direct drive motor, the shaft of which forms the axis of rotation for the movable unit, and the motor is arranged to selectively operate in either a first, normal mode for rotating the movable unit to a desired position, or in a second, friction mode for providing resistance to a forced rotation of the movable unit from a predetermined position to a new position. A control unit detects the presence of a forced rotation and automatically changes the mode of operation in response thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pipe alignment tool have been described. A laser is inserted into the end of a pipe and projects a laser beam indicative of the longitudinal axis of the pipe.

Abstract: A chalk line is marked by attaching two hooks to a nail, and then extending a string a length from the nail. The hooks are attached to an apparatus that has multiple springs, such that there is a string attached to the rear of the apparatus while the hooks are attached to the front of the apparatus. When the string has been extended the desired length, the user then snaps the line to make a chalk line. Then, the pull on the string is released by the user, causing the two hooks to separate. When the two hooks separate, their connection to the nail is broken. The hooks and the apparatus associated with the hooks then is free to be reeled back to the user. The user does not have to return to the nail to remove the hooks and the associated apparatus.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine operable to employ pentapod kinematics to determine the absolute position at a measuring point tip by measuring about five axes. The machine comprises a first, bifurcated linkage, a second, trifurcated linkage, and a plurality of elongate struts. First and second ones of the plurality of struts share the first linkage, third, fourth and fifth ones of the plurality of struts share the second linkage, and the first and second linkages are coupled via a handle. The first and second struts are preferably rotatably engaged to the first linkage, and the third, fourth and fifth struts may be rotatably engaged to the second linkage. First through fifth nodes may be provided, each node being slidably engaged to a corresponding one of the first through fifth struts. The nodes may comprise means for measuring the displacement of the corresponding strut relative to the node.

Abstract: To provide a sensor having a long operational life. A sensor which senses contact with an object through tilting of a probe having a rod shape, the sensor including: a housing having a hollow columnar shape; the probe arranged to project from an inside of the housing to an outside of the housing, and capable of reciprocating and tilting with respect to the housing; connectors fixed to a part of the probe, which is located inside the housing; terminals fixed to positions inside the housing that come into contact with the connectors, and which conduct electricity through the contact with the connectors; a probe biasing unit configured to force the probe along a direction of the reciprocation so that the connectors come into contact with the terminals; and a releasing unit configured to release the contact between the connectors and the terminals brought upon by the probe biasing unit.