Abstract: In a tunable drum, a connector member in the drum is attached by cables to a tuning ring, and is threadedly coupled by a tuning linkage to a retaining member fixed to the drum. Rotation of the tuning linkage with respect to the drum moves the connector member longitudinally and, as a result, adjusts the tension of the drumhead. In one embodiment, a handle fixed to the tuning linkage is positioned to engage a complementary coupling in a drum stand when the drum is retained by the drum stand. In another embodiment, the complementary coupling is movable between an operative position in which the drum can be tuned by rotating it with respect to the stand, and inoperative position in which the drum can be placed in the stand without the handle engaging the complementary coupling.

Abstract: In a tunable drum, a connector member in the drum is attached by cables to a tuning ring, and is threadedly coupled by a tuning linkage to a retaining member fixed to the drum. Rotation of the tuning linkage with respect to the drum moves the connector member longitudinally and, as a result, adjusts the tension of the drumhead. In one embodiment, a handle fixed to the tuning linkage is positioned to engage a complementary coupling in a drum stand when the drum is retained by the drum stand. In another embodiment, the complementary coupling is movable between an operative position in which the drum can be tuned by rotating it with respect to the stand, and inoperative position in which the drum can be placed in the stand without the handle engaging the complementary coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing cables in a communication rack system having a first upright support member, a second support member spaced apart from the first support member to define an upright plane, a plurality of fastening locations along the first and second support members, an electronic device releasably mounted to the support members at selected fastening locations, and a plurality of cables projecting from a front surface of the electronic device. In one embodiment, a cable management device includes a mounting structure and a support structure. The mounting structure generally has a plurality of universal mounting sites arranged to correspond to the fastening locations along a portion of the first and second support members so that the mounting structure can be releasably affixed to the support members at selected fastening sites.

Abstract: A nail driving apparatus comprising a tube, a rod with a mass attached to one end, a spring connecting the mass to the tube, and a sleeve encircling the exposed portion of rod between the tube and the mass. When the mass is in the forward, closed position, the spring is slightly stretched, holding the apparatus in the closed position. When the mass is drawn away from the tube, the spring is displaced, increasing the tension in the spring and, thus, aiding the user in driving a nail. An expandable sleeve protects the exposed portion of rod between the tube and the mass from being contaminated by debris. It also prevents the user's hand from being positioned at the point of contact. As the mass is drawn away from the tube, the sleeve expands to protect the entire length of exposed rod.

Abstract: A superconductive system for receiving electromagnetic energy from an outside source, storing electromagnetic energy in two interacting forms of DC and AC electric current, and delivering electromagnetic energy to an outside load wherein the electromagnetic energy is charged into and discharged from the superconductive storing system exclusively via inductive coupling links. The electromagnetic energy is stored in the form of DC current in high-capacity superconductive coils with each coil connected into a superconductive permanent close loop circuit. The energy is then used to support electromagnetic oscillation in a superconductive oscillating circuit wherein it is stored in low capacity superconductive coils in the form of AC current. The superconducting oscillating circuit is then used to provide power to an outside source.