Abstract: A method for achieving a target joint preload can include applying a tightening torque to the second fastener element and measuring that torque as a trial tightening torque. The method can further include applying a loosening torque to the second fastener element and measuring that torque as a trial removal torque. Additionally, the method can include calculating a required tightening torque that is required to be applied to the second fastener element to achieve the target joint preload using only the thread pitch, the trial tightening torque, the trial removal torque, and the target joint preload.

Abstract: A method for achieving a target joint preload includes identifying a thread pitch of a first fastener element used to secure two components together. The first fastener element is passed through the two components and a second fastener element is threaded onto the first fastener element. A tightening torque is applied to the second fastener element, which is measured as the trial tightening torque. A loosening torque is applied to the second fastener element, which is measured as the trial removal torque. A required tightening torque that is required to be applied to the second fastener element to achieve the target joint preload is calculated using only the thread pitch, the trial tightening torque, the trial removal torque, and the target joint preload.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying the frequency response of a wood panel within an acoustical structure such as a studio or concert hall. The modification is imparted by exciting the wood paneling with acoustic energy. Frequency response is the measure of a system's spectrum response at the output to a signal of varying frequency (but constant amplitude) at its input. The acoustic energy includes at least one excitation frequency, which is preferably in the audible spectrum (20 to 20,000 Hz). The use of acoustic energy from the remote source provides non-contact excitation of the wood paneling. In one embodiment, the acoustic energy is at least one sound wave which comprises at least one resonant frequency of the wood paneling, at least one acoustic mode of the wood paneling, at least one discrete broadband frequency, a composite frequency (including multiple broadband frequencies, white noise and pink noise) or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying the frequency response of a wooden article by exciting the article with acoustic energy. Frequency response is the measure of a system's spectrum response at the output due to a signal of varying frequency (but constant amplitude) at its input. The acoustic energy includes at least one excitation frequency, a composite broadband frequency component, or a combination thereof, which is preferably in the audible spectrum (20 to 20,000 Hz). The use of acoustic energy from the remote source provides non-contact excitation of the wooden article. In one embodiment, the acoustic energy is at least one sound wave which comprises at least one resonant frequency of the wooden article, at least one acoustic mode of the wooden article, at least one discrete frequency, a broadband frequency component, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of artificially aging a musical instrument is provided by placing the instrument in an enclosure, providing at least one electromechanical transducer proximate to the instrument and providing an electrical signal to the transducer. The transducer is a three-way speaker in a preferred embodiment. The method has particular utility wherein the instrument is a wooden, stringed instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying the frequency response of a wooden article by exciting the article with acoustic energy. Frequency response is the measure of a system's spectrum response at the output due to a signal of varying frequency (but constant amplitude) at its input. The acoustic energy includes at least one excitation frequency, a composite broadband frequency component, or a combination thereof, which is preferably in the audible spectrum (20 to 20,000 Hz). The use of acoustic energy from the remote source provides non-contact excitation of the wooden article. In one embodiment, the acoustic energy is at least one sound wave which comprises at least one resonant frequency of the wooden article, at least one acoustic mode of the wooden article, at least one discrete frequency, a broadband frequency component, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of artificially aging a musical instrument is provided by placing the instrument in an enclosure, providing at least one electromechanical transducer proximate to the instrument and providing an electrical signal to the transducer. The transducer is a three-way speaker in a preferred embodiment. The method has particular utility wherein the instrument is a wooden, stringed instrument.

Abstract: A locking fastener assembly comprising a fastener having a shaft (12) and a head (14 or 114) and first threads (16) for placing the shaft (12) in tension to clamp a part (18). A threaded washer (20) has second threads (22) for disposition between the head (14 or 114) and the part (18). A torsion spring (24) reacts between the head (14 or 114) and the washer (20) for urging the head (14 or 114) and the washer (20) to rotate in opposite directions. The assembly is characterized by the first and second threads (22) being of different pitches and in the same helical direction whereby the torsion spring (24) continually rotates the washer (20) to maintain a pre-load on the shaft (12). To assemble the components, the hex head (14 or 114) is first torsionally loaded against the washer (20) utilizing the torsional spring (24) such that the components would rotate apart if the pre-load was removed.