Abstract: A fast and economical method for speeding up an audio signal without changing pitch can be accomplished by eliminating unneeded information from an audio signal. First, the signal is divided into chunks (frames or subframes), on which a mathematical manipulation such as a Fourier transformation is performed to identify the amplitudes of the componenet sinusoids (sines and cosines). These absolute values of the sine and cosine amplitudes for each frequency are averaged together, and the highest value(s) represents the signature, or dominant frequency/frequencies. The dominant frequency/frequencies or signatures from one chunk are compared to those of the next, and when identical the latter unit is marked as redundant. The final step consists of discarding redundant chunks from the original data, thus providing a shortened signal for replay. The pitch will not change because the only modification to the original signal was the elimination of redundant data.

Abstract: A bowler's accessory comprising a chalk element disposed within a chalk holder with cap ends is provided. The chalk holder includes a cylindrical tube having a wall, a top opening and a bottom opening. Cap elements are designed to slidingly interfit into the top opening and the bottom opening. The chalk element further has a top side and a bottom side. The chalk element is positioned near the middle of the tube, with the top side and the bottom side of the chalk element being about equal distance to the top opening of the tube and the bottom opening of the tube. The chalk element may be press fitted, adhered to, or in some other fashion affixed to this location within the cylindrical tube. The distance from both the top side of the cylindrical tube and the bottom side of the cylindrical tube is sufficient to permit the cap elements to slidingly interfit in both the top opening and the bottom opening of the cylindrical tube.

Abstract: A novel educational audio playback device is disclosed which, in the preferred embodiment, is in the shape of a simulated telephone. On the body of the apparatus are a plurality of buttons, each of the buttons having a hinged cover mounted thereon. These hinged covers have indicia on their front, this indicia, in the preferred embodiment, being letters of an alphabet. Upon the user opening the hinged cover, a simulated sound of a telephone ringing is generated and the associated button is exposed. On each of the buttons is a symbol or picture that is representative of a character, object or thing that is related to the letter of the alphabet on the hinged cover. The letter "H", for example, could contain a picture of a nursery rhyme figure, such as Humpty Dumpty. Upon the user depressing the associated button, an index is generated that tells a circuit or microprocessor where on the internal sound storage portion of the device is to be found the appropriate sound segment.