Abstract: A manufacturing method for an ignition plug is provided. The method includes: preparing an insulator having a cavity provided at a leading end portion thereof by disposing a leading end of the center electrode more inwards than a leading end of the insulator; building the insulator in an interior of the metal shell such that the leading end of the insulator is situated closer to a rear end side than the leading end of the metal shell; removing at least part of a leading end portion of the metal shell which projects from a leading end face of the insulator; and disposing the ground electrode at the leading end portion of the metal shell and welding the ground electrode and the metal shell together after the removal step.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method of forming an airtight container including an electron beam irradiation process for irradiating an electron beam to a non-evaporable type getter that has not been activated so as not to activate the non-evaporable type getter, and a sealing process for sealing a seal portion after the electron beam irradiation process.

Abstract: A bathtub whirlpool toy and educational device has a bottom and gasket designed to allow the device to fit over the drain of a household fixture such as a bathtub or sink. The device has a generally cylindrical interior space having inlet slots set at an angle, so that water entering the interior from the bath will begin to rotate immediately. A central outlet leads to a recuperation chamber having an offset recuperation chamber outlet allowing the recuperation chamber outlet to sit directly over a bathtub drain. The recuperation chamber may have a plurality of vanes/fins designed to reduce water circulation and increase water flow. An adapter may allow the user to alter the size and shape of the interior space outlet aperture, and may be fixable in place or movable during use so as to allow the user to alter the vortex/whirlpool dynamically.

Abstract: A play and/or exercise hoop for hip gyration is formed of a tube formed into a circle, the tube having a cross-section with a flat outwardly facing wall suitable for accepting a decorative strip adhered thereto. The cross-sectional shape of the tube is D-shaped.

Abstract: A standing length of untreated deadwood timber, having a 2?-6? diameter and an above ground length of between 3? and 9?, has a flattened face with sets of different diameter holes drilled therein. Colorful ribbons, in addition to the aroma of the decaying deadwood, attract multiple species of native solitary bees to the bee pole to use the holes to lay eggs therein. The pole is planted 1.5 to 2? in soil adjacent fields, gardens or orchards which need pollination.

Abstract: A brassiere is provided with a front piece forming the breast cups and with two side pieces extending around the upper body of an individual wearing the brassiere and which can be connected in the back area of the wearer. Shoulder straps extend from the breast cups to the back parts of the side pieces. At least part of the edges of the brassiere are folded over to form the marginal edge and fixed in this position by an adhesive layer is arranged between the folded-over edge part and the textile layer of the brassiere that faces it.

Abstract: A brassiere pad assembly is provided for use in a brassiere for delivering optimal support, aesthetic enhancement and health benefits including a first panel comprised of a flexible material having a plurality of perforations and a bottom edge. A second panel is provided having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the second panel having at least a bottom edge affixed to at least the bottom edge of the first panel. A third panel is provided comprising a membrane defining a cavity having at least one attachment means formed therein, the third panel being placed between the first and second panels and having at least a bottom edge affixed to the second panel. An insertable element may be provided configured to be receivable and securable within the cavity of the third panel for imparting skin therapeutic benefits to a wearer.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and kits for securing clothing, in particular, for securing a bra strap to a blouse strap. The device includes a long, thin material, having a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. The long, thin material is formed into a plurality of opposing segments. A first of the plurality of opposing segments is continuous with a first end of a second of the plurality of the opposing segments at a first junction, and a first end of the third of the plurality of opposing segments is continuous with a second end of the second of the plurality of the opposing segments at a second junction. A fourth of the plurality of opposing segments is continuous with a second end of the third of the plurality of the opposing segments at a third junction.

Abstract: A system for use in preparing an articulating surface of a component of an orthopaedic implant is provided. The system includes a magnetorheological polishing fluid including a carrier fluid and a plurality of particles suspendable in said carrier fluid. The system also includes a vessel for containing the Magnetorheological polishing fluid. The system also includes a mechanism for delivering the fluid to form a polishing zone and a holder for securing the component and for moveably positioning the articulating surface of the component relative to the polishing zone. The system further includes a controller for determining the rate of material removal from the object, for determining the direction and velocity of movement of the polishing zone relative to the object and for determining the number of cycles of polishing required.

Abstract: The present invention is a wire saw in which a wire is wound around a plurality of grooved rollers, the workpiece is sliced into wafers by causing the wire to travel and pressing the workpiece against the wire while a slurry is supplied to the grooved rollers, the wire saw controlling in such a manner that the workpiece is sliced while a supply temperature of the slurry is increased from the start to the end of slicing the workpiece. As a result, there is provided a wire saw in which Warp of the workpiece to be sliced can be improved by suppressing a decrease in a temperature of the workpiece in the vicinity of the slicing end portion of the workpiece and by making an increase in displacement of the grooved roller during slicing straight, that is, by making the slicing trajectory depicted in the workpiece close to a straight line.

Abstract: The disk-shaped substrate inner circumference polishing method for polishing an inner circumference of a disk-shaped substrate including a portion having an opening hole at the center thereof includes inserting a brush having a shaft core into the portion having the opening hole of the disk-shaped substrate; fixing one end and the other end of the brush to a pair of rotating shafts that are provided at mutually detached positions and pulling at least any one of the one end and the other end of the brush and applying tension in the axial direction to the shaft core of the brush; and rotating the brush and polishing the inner circumference of the disk-shaped substrate.

Abstract: Spots generated on a glass substrate after a polishing step are reduced. The present invention relates to a method for polishing a glass substrate including injecting a silica abrasive and a high-boiling solvent in a final glass substrate polishing step. The high-boiling solvent is preferably a solvent having a molecular weight of 300 or lower and a boiling point of 150° C. or higher. As Examples of the high-boiling solvent having a molecular weight of 300 or lower and a boiling point of 150° C. or higher includes ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and glycerine.

Abstract: A blade, such as the blade of a precision shear, having a cutting angle which changes progressively along the length of the blade through a predetermined angular measure is sharpened by coupling the blade with an articulated arm assembly through a drive mechanism which rotates the blade about a longitudinal direction in response to movement of the blade along the longitudinal direction, as the blade is drawn across a sharpening surface. The drive mechanism includes a cam and follower for rotating the blade through an angular displacement corresponding to the predetermined angular measure of the change in the cutting angle so as to preserve the changing cutting angle. The drive mechanism is selectively uncoupled to permit free manual rotation of the blade as the blade is drawn across the sharpening surface for finishing the blade subsequent to the sharpening operation. The drive mechanism accommodates blades of both right-handed shears and left-handed shears.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing the surface of rubber or synthetic covered rollers (10) is disclosed. As seen in FIG. 3, a rotating hub (16) having a circumferential abrasion band (47) and an adjacent set of rasp blades (20) arranged end-to-end and extending circumferentially about the hub is used to progressively and sequentially removebands of surface material by cutting and then abrading as the hub and roller are rotated and one is moved axially relative to the other.

Abstract: A flexible membrane assembly for a wafer carrier in a CMP system. The flexible membrane assemble has a flat, flexible membrane joined to a rigid cylindrical sidewall.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool includes a drive spindle (2) rotatable about a rotational axis (A), a clamping flange (3) provided at a free end of the drive spindle (2) and having at least one inner thread (12) that in a mounted condition of the clamping flange (3) on the drive spindle (2), engages in a thread undercut (13) of the clamping flange (2), a locking pin likewise provided at the free end of the drive spindle (2) and having a locking thread (4), and a locking nut (7) tightenable on the locking thread (4) for securing a disc-shaped tool (5) between the clamping flange (3) and the clamping surface (6) of the locking nut (7), with the clamping flange (3) having in its axial region between the disc-shaped tool (5) and an inner recess (8) of the locking nut (7) in which the centering collar (9) of the clamping flange (3) can be partially received at least one radial, outwardly projecting nose (10), and with the disc-shaped tool (5) having at least one, opening radially inwardly and axially extending groove (11)

Abstract: The invention relates to an internally cooled grinding disc shielding (16), wherein a cooling liquid (14) outwardly flows thorough a recess embodied in the peripheral surface of a grinding disk, the shielding is provided with a collecting groove (17) for the cooling liquid (14) which surrounds the grinding disc (1) under a sector comprises at least one discharge nozzle (20) which is arranged on the output side and by means of which a jet is directed to a work piece (13) or to a grinding point (16).

Abstract: Provided is poultry processing equipment and more particularly, an improved evisceration device and subassemblies thereof for removing organs from a membrane-covered socket in the body cavity of a poultry carcass, such as the lungs.

Abstract: A cooked and de-boned substantially intact slab of rib meat is provided. A process for preparing a de-boned rib meat product from a pork or beef rib cut is also provided. The process for preparing the rib meat product involves cooking a length of rib meat having rib bones embedded therein at a temperature and for a time sufficient to enable the removal of the rib bones from the length of rib meat, while maintaining a substantially intact length of rib meat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing and/or training persons, particularly athletes, with regard to reaction time, peripheral vision, foot speed, agility and (in some cases) strength of hand punch/speed or impact. In addition to testing and training persons, the method & apparatus can improve response and/or reaction time to verbal/audible stimuli. Testing and training can be applied in similar fashion to individuals, or groups of individuals, e.g. part or all of a sport team, under direction of a coach or of a testing operator/technician. An initiating stimulus (illumination of a light signal or motion of a ‘mounted” ball) provides a start signal to test subjects, who respond to the stimulus, as by touching or striking a blow to a target. Either of these actions will initiate one or more conditions which occur in a predetermined pattern, e.g. to start a timer which is halted by sensing the touch or blow.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a poker game. In another example, the poker game is coupled with a second level game in which the result is revealed. In a specific example, the second level game is a slot machine game.

Abstract: Described is a player activated game system, particularly adapted for playing instant lottery type games, that includes a game device having a computer containing at least one game, an electronic display and a card interface adapted to receive a game card having data that represents a particular game outcome such that connection of the card to the interface can result the game being played by the device with the particular outcome displayed on the display. Also described are lottery tickets or game cards that are adapted use with the game devices along with methods of manufacturing the game cards.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game played on a gaming device that displays a randomly selected array of symbols, where the symbols across one or more paylines are evaluated by circuitry to determine an award to be granted. A trigger event, such as the occurrence of a special symbol (e.g., a $ symbol), initiates a special feature. Once the trigger event occurs, one of a plurality of features is randomly selected and applied to the symbols in the existing array of symbols, and an award is then granted based on the results. An example of the group of available features is: 1) multiply the number of $ symbols in the array by X credits; 2) randomly place a $ symbol on reels 1, 2, 4, and 5; 3) change certain predetermined symbols to the $ symbol; and 4) fill two, three, or four reels (randomly selected) with the $ symbol.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems and programs for conducting game feature. A method comprises: a) upon generation of a game outcome, evaluating the game outcome according to a plurality of evaluation structures against a payout criteria set and a feature criteria set; b) for each evaluation of an evaluation structure that fulfills a payout criterion, calculating a payout value according to a feature attribute associated with said evaluation structure; c) for each evaluation structure having an associated feature attribute and that fulfills a feature criterion, modifying said feature attribute, said modified feature attribute persisting for calculating the payout value of at least one subsequent game outcome; and d) awarding the sum of the calculated payout values of all of the evaluation structures to a player. An embodiment involves a free-spin feature in which the feature attributes are multiplier values evolving and persisting throughout the free-spin feature.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes: a CPU 106 which determines whether or not the game state is to be switched to a special game state advantageous to a player; mechanical reels 30A through 30C formed of a translucent material to display multiple kinds of indicating information variably and statically; a motor driving circuit 120 which controls the mechanical reels 30A through 30C; a water tank 500 formed of a translucent material to retain liquid, and provided behind a display screen 10; lamps 650a through 650w for emitting multiple kinds of lights toward the liquid stored in the water tank 500; and a drive control circuit 300 which performs a control operation that instructs the lamps 650a through 650w to emit a light selected from among the multiple kinds of lights according to the result of the determination made by the CPU 106.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a multi-player wagering game in which at least one of the players may win the occurrence of the wagering game by matching a predetermined game-winning pattern of game indicia on a game array having a unique combination of game indicia based on matching the game indicia on the game array to game indicia randomly selected for the occurrence of the wagering game. The wagering game may various methods for determining a game-winning award amount for a player being the first to match the game-winning pattern on a game array. The game-winning award may be determined based on the game-winning pattern matched by the player, on the number of randomly selected game indicia required to match the game-winning pattern, on the amount wagered by the player on the occurrence of the wagering game, on the outcome of a secondary wagering game, and on other factors as discussed herein.

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 plurality of N unknown options in the form of icons, where the player may only make M choices, where M is less than N. In another embodiment, M is less than or equal to N. The unknown options may include, for example, different award credits. The options may be presented as hidden values behind doors or using other attractive presentation. The N values behind the closed doors are displayed in an order unrelated to the arrangement of the unknown options so the player sees what she can possibly win. The player then makes her M selections to win the awards behind the doors. There may be additional levels of the bonus game.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a wagering game and an associated progressive jackpot, wherein each player has a unique game array of game indicia for the occurrence of the wagering game and individual game indicia are sequentially selected from a range of available game indicia. Players may win the wagering game, interim pattern awards and/or progressive jackpot awards by matching predetermined patterns with patterns formed on their unique game array with indicia matching selected indicia. The players may optionally participate and be eligible to win all or a portion of the progressive jackpot. In one embodiment, the player may be eligible for the progressive jackpot by wagering at least a minimum wager amount, and perhaps the maximum bet for the wagering game. Graphics corresponding to the progressive jackpot may be optionally displayed only to players eligible to win the progressive jackpot.

Abstract: A game machine operable to execute a game program is communicatively connected to a center server. In the center server, a first transmitter transmits, to the game machine, first data indicating a settled play amount out of a played amount which is represented by either an accumulated number or time period that the game program has been executed. In the game machine, a first storage is operable to store the first data, a second storage is operable to store second data indicating the played amount, and a third storage is operable to store third data indicating an allowable unsettled play amount which represents either an allowable number or time period of which the game program is executed without settlement.

Abstract: An information processing system includes: area extraction means for extracting an area occupied by a player from the mirror moving picture containing a player; control means for generating a computer image containing a game character; and display control means for causing a display device to display a superimposed moving picture obtained by superimposing the mirror moving picture and the computer image. The control means moves the game character according to the area occupied by the player in the superimposed moving picture. Thus, in the information processing system using the player image acquired by a camera as the input interface, it is possible to improve the game entertainment.

Abstract: A flexible disk for connecting a transmission shaft to rotate with a mechanical part, the flexible disk being suitable for forming rotary motion about an axis of rotation and including in succession going from its center towards its periphery an empty central zone, a circular base, a transition zone having an outer face and an inner face, and then a peripheral collar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an amusement device which comprises a rotating body formed in a disk shape and provided horizontally rotatably; a frame body which is fixedly arranged on the upper surface of the rotating body 10; a partition member which is fastened to the frame body for forming the play area; a plurality of beams which are mounted to the frame body across the play area horizontally; a plurality of floor portions which are supported by the frame body and the beams, and which partition the play area into a plurality of layered spaces; the support mechanism; and the rotation drive mechanism. The support mechanism supports the rotating body. The rotation drive mechanism rotates the rotating body horizontally.

Abstract: An oscillating device for a children's swing apparatus includes a base, a driving assembly mounted to the base, a first friction piece connected to the driving assembly, and a second friction piece operably driven by the first friction piece depending on a friction force therebetween. An elastic piece urges against one of the first friction piece and the second friction piece, a first shaft passes through a transmitting assembly, and an output member is operated by one of the first shaft and the second friction piece. The swing apparatus further includes a first frame supported on the ground, a second frame in which the sitting device is mounted such that the oscillating device connects the first frame to the second frame.

Abstract: A combination pool table having a rebound surface convertible from eight sides to a circular shape and portions thereof being a circular pool table comprising a flat circular playing surface having a plurality of pockets equally spaced around the periphery thereof. A circular rail surrounds the flat circular playing surface. The circular rail has a plurality of sockets in alignment with the pockets. At least one rebound cushion is removably mounted onto the flat circular playing surface against the circular rail between two of the pockets.

Abstract: A ferrule (1) and a hole cup (2) for a golf flag (3), where the ferrule (1) is designed with a boring (4) in which a golf flag (3) is placed, and an upper part (5) having a greater diameter than a lower part (6) of the ferrule which is intended for disposition in a hole (7) in the hole cup (2), the hole cup (2) being formed by a cylindric wall (8) and a bottom (9) with a centre hole (7) having a shape and a depth for receiving the lower part (6) of the ferrule, where at least two replaceable elastic means (10) are provided between the lower part (6) of the ferrule and the centre hole (7) of the hole cup, where at least two fastening means (11) are correspondingly provided, each intended for retaining an elastic means (10), and each provided by an annular groove (15) on the ferrule (1), and where one or more longitudinal grooves (16) are provided in the ferrule (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the temperature pattern of the surface of a golf ball or golf club is disclosed. The apparatus includes a thermal device capable of imparting a temperature pattern onto the surface of a golf ball. The thermal device preferably imparts the temperature pattern from a distance, preferably while the golf ball is positioned on a golf tee. After a predetermined amount of time, the golf ball may be stuck by a golf club. A thermal imaging device, which may detect a cooling pattern imparted to the golf ball by prongs of a cooling device, is preferably used to acquire images of the temperature pattern. The acquired images may then be analyzed by a processor to determine the kinematic characteristics of the golf ball.

Abstract: One embodiment of a golf training aid that provides a visual and physical reference as to the correlational relationship between a golfers' hand-placement on a golf club and the face of the golf club at impact to provide means for the golfer to hit a straight golf shot or to shape a golf shot. Utilizing a rear sight guide (10) and a front sight (14) attached to an alignment guide rail (12) and a flexible joint or hinge (16), the gauging apparatus provides physical reference for the golfers' hand-placement and a visual reference to desired target lines. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: A golf club head having an insert forming a window through the golf club head is described. The golf club head has upper and lower surfaces. The golf club head includes a body with a heel, a toe, a front portion with a striking face, and a back portion. The front portion of the body forms a striking face. The body includes an aperture extending from the upper surface to the lower surface and extending from the front portion to an inside portion of the back portion. An insert is secured within the aperture. An indicia within the insert is visible from the upper and lower surfaces of the golf club head.

Abstract: A golf putter includes a pair of aiming arms at each end of the putter head having opposite and inward facing arcuate surfaces corresponding to the outline of a golf hole. The aiming arms may be removed manually or may be made to pivot. In the latter, each arm is pivotally connected at opposing ends of the putter head and adapted to pivot about an axis between a forward aiming position and a second position away from the forward aiming position. Control of the rotation of the aiming arms may be by a lever operable from the putter shaft, or by a spring actuated by pushing downward on the putter shaft.

Abstract: A golf practice mat includes an impact sensor disposed in a vicinity bounding the location of where a golf ball would be placed for striking. The golf practice mat may also include, for example, a “crosshair” target imprint that is disposed on a golf club impact sensor portion of the practice surface and indicates the point/line of contact that the club face should hit the ground after the ball has been struck with the club head in a descending blow. A microcontroller receives and analyzes the output of the impact sensor and generates a display/output message that is coupled to a display that is, for example, embodied on the golf practice mat to provide user shot-related feedback. The display may indicate, for example, the user's golf club, the estimated distance the ball will travel depending upon the impact data analyzed, the club chosen by the user, input backswing data and/or a three-dimensional simulation of the resulting golf stroke.

Abstract: A golf driver kit includes a front portion and a plurality of rear portions exchangeably connectable to the front portion and being of different respective shapes for imparting different flight characteristics to a struck golf ball. The front portion includes a front face plate and a hosel for receiving a shaft, plus a rearwardly projecting base on which the rear portion is seated. The rear portion is removably attached to the front portion by screws.

Abstract: A hollow wood-type golf club head having an increased weight budget and improved mass characteristics at minimum structural mass is disclosed. The club head has a striking face portion, a sole portion, a skirt portion, and a crown portion having a total surface area. A hosel portion joins the club head for connecting a shaft to the club head. The crown portion has a major crown portion and a minor crown portion, the major portion having greater surface area than the minor portion, and the major portion being displaced vertically lower relative to the minor crown portion. The major crown portion may have a generally concave curvature and the minor crown portion may have a generally convex curvature such that the major crown portion is in effect inverted with respect to the minor crown portion. The major crown portion may be upwardly inclined from the heel to the toe of the head. The head may exhibit a parabolic top view silhouette.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-piece solid golf ball having a core obtained by molding under heat a specific rubber composition and having a two-layer cover and an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer which encase the core and are made of a thermoplastic resin material. By optimizing the deflection of the core under a specific load, optimizing the combined thickness of the cover layers, forming the inner cover layer of a highly neutralized ionomer resin composition, and forming the outer cover layer of a special urethane material, a sufficient reduction in the spin rate of the ball on shots taken with a driver can be achieved, enabling the distance traveled by the ball to be increased. Moreover, the golf ball of the invention has a good feel on shots taken with a driver, and has an excellent spin rate on approach shots.

Abstract: A dual composition polymeric device to be used as a golf tee, the device having a polymeric hollow stiff stem portion with an integral cone portion at its top end, a cone-shaped polymeric flexible face portion mechanically joined to the cone and stiff stem portion and an internal air passage through the center of the cone-shaped flexible face and a removable mechanical screw joining the cone-shaped flexible face portion with the stiff stem portion and its integral cone portion. The flexible face portion internal cone is made from a 50-85 durometer elastomer material and the stiff stem portion and its integral external cone is made from a 90-95 durometer elastomer material.

Abstract: A golf ball position marking device enables a user to reliably and unobtrusively mark the position of a golf ball on a putting green. The golf ball position marking device comprises a putting green contact surface, a marker material dispensing port, a marker material dispensing actuator and a marker material reservoir. The putting green contact surface is sized and shaped to permit stable positioning of the golf ball position marking device on a putting green in close proximity to a golf ball on the putting green thereby providing oriented alignment of the golf ball position marking device with the golf ball on the putting green. Activation of the marker material dispensing actuator results in the dispensing of a marker material from the marker material reservoir onto the putting green at a predetermined vector position relative to the point where the golf ball contacts the putting green.

Abstract: A ball hitting practice assembly with acoustic return mechanism is provided for use by a ball hitter. The ball hitting practice assembly includes a rigid vertical shaft, having a first and second end; a weighted and/or anchored base coupled to the vertical shaft at said shaft's second end; a rigid horizontal shaft, having a first and second end, coupled at its first end to the vertical shaft's first end; a ball which is suspended from a cord, having a first and second end, said first end being attached to the horizontal shaft's second end, said ball being attached to said cord's second end; and a horizontal acoustic return mechanism that sounds when struck by the ball in practice of the present invention and then returns the ball to the hitter after each hit.

Abstract: A baseball batting strength-training aid includes a vertically oriented resilient cylindrical body defining a central core. A mount is affixed to a rear of the resilient body for attaching the training aid to an external support. A sensor pod is received within the central core of the resilient body, which includes at least one sensor thereto for sensing the striking of a bat against the resilient cylindrical body.

Abstract: A bicycle multi-gear cassette mountable to a wheel hub that generally includes a truncated conical shell and a plurality of toothed sprockets having different numbers of teeth. The shell includes a plurality of coaxial annular cylinders of variable diameter extending along an axis of the shell and a plurality of coaxial annular discs of variable diameter extending radially of the axis. The cylinders and discs are alternatingly arranged in a stepped sequence. The toothed sprockets are disposed on the shell and extend radially of the shell axis. At least one of the toothed sprockets includes a recess on a side facing an adjacent toothed sprocket having a smaller number of teeth. The recess includes a first region having a first depth and a second region having a second depth. The first depth is greater than the second depth. The shell and the plurality of toothed sprockets embody a single piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastomeric product which contains a radical cross-linked rubber mixture, especially drive belts. For the production of elastomeric products, especially drive belts, having a long service life and producible in an environmentally friendly way, the rubber mixture contains (a) 0.1 to 50 phr of at least one carboxylic acid, which is at least ?,? unsaturated and ?,? unsaturated and preferably has at least one allylic hydrogen atom; and, (b) 0.1 to 50 phr of at least one salt-former as co-activator.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.