Abstract: A convertible instrument rack includes a frame and multiple yoke sets. The frame includes support members and the yoke sets each include at least three yoke members which are each placed on a respective one of the support members. The respective position of the support members can be selectively shifted on the frame and the yoke members can be selectively shifted along their respective support member to accommodate tubas or sousaphones, as well as tubas or sousaphones of different sizes.

Abstract: A hanger retainer for securing hangers to a garment-supporting rod. The hanger retainer generally includes first and second side portions spaced apart from each other, a hooked portion extending from at least one of the side portions, and first and second retaining portions extending between the side portions. The hooked portion is designed to hook around a garment-supporting rod such that the first retaining portion is spaced a first distance from the rod, and the second retaining portion is spaced a second distance less than the first distance from the rod. The hanger retainer is rotated about the rod from a first position in which a hanger is received between the side portions on the hanger rod, and a second position in which the hanger is secured to the rod, thereby enabling transport one or more hangers on the rod without concern that the hangers may fall from the rod.

Abstract: The present invention is an acoustic cabinet for the storage of musical instruments. Acoustic cabinet can have a storage portion having a plurality of individual storage units contained therein. One or more grill doors can cover the open end of acoustic cabinet. The size, shape, and arrangement of grill bars of door can be configured to reduce the effect of resonance. Rear panel of acoustic cabinet can include one or more sound-absorbing panels that absorb sound as it passes through acoustic cabinet. A protective backing can also be disposed between sound-absorbing panels and individual storage spaces to protect the panels from damage when instruments and other objects are inserted into the storage spaces. A combination of a grill door and sound-absorbing panels can allow acoustic cabinet to have a net-absorptive effect on a rehearsal room. One or more acoustic cabinets can be strategically positioned throughout a rehearsal room for optimal acoustic performance.

Abstract: A convertible instrument rack includes a frame and multiple yoke sets. The frame includes support members and the yoke sets include at least three yoke members. The respective position of the support members and the yoke members can be selectively shifted to accommodate tubas or sousaphones, as well as tubas or sousaphones of different sizes.

Abstract: A musician's chair that enhances the musician's posture when performing vocal or wind instruments. The music posture chair includes a seat and back that are mounted on a frame with respect to a floor to not only enhance diaphragmatic breathing of the musician but also to enhance the comfort of the musician.

Abstract: The present invention is an acoustic cabinet for the storage of musical instruments. Acoustic cabinet can have a storage portion having a plurality of individual storage units contained therein. One or more grill doors can cover the open end of acoustic cabinet. The size, shape, and arrangement of grill bars of door can be configured to reduce the effect of resonance. Rear panel of acoustic cabinet can include one or more sound-absorbing panels that absorb sound as it passes through acoustic cabinet. A protective backing can also be disposed between sound-absorbing panels and individual storage spaces to protect the panels from damage when instruments and other objects are inserted into the storage spaces. A combination of a grill door and sound-absorbing panels can allow acoustic cabinet to have a net-absorptive effect on a rehearsal room. One or more acoustic cabinets can be strategically positioned throughout a rehearsal room for optimal acoustic performance.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for matching the color of a target sample at a remote location. The system has a first computer that is operative to receive and transmit target spectral data at a first location. A second computer in the system is located at a second location remote from the first computer. The second computer is operative to receive the target spectral data or formula identifier from the first computer. The system includes a database including a plurality of data sets. Each data set has at least spectral data corresponding to standard samples. The system also has software capable of searching the database using the target spectral data as search criteria and returning a match with a data set having standard spectral data that matches the target spectral data. The system optionally has a device that can sense the target spectral data of the target sample and input that target spectral data into the first computer, optionally also non-spectral data and QC capability.

Abstract: A universal control system for hydraulic cylinders to enable controlled increments of movement for varying uses including shaping members and lifting and lowering of loads. The lift control system is utilized to synchronize the raising or lowering of a load by, for example, four simultaneously-acting pump-operated hydraulic rams which have plural increments of movement. A sensor associated with the load adjacent each ram measures incremental movement of the load. A master controller controls the operation of the rams in accordance with the sensed increments and operates each pump simultaneously and independently until each pump achieves a preselected increment of movement of a ram, to maintain the load substantially level, followed by movement of all the rams through another increment of movement until the total lifting or lowering movement is achieved.

Abstract: A lubricating system which is completely self contained within the vacuum environment of an electric direct drive system for an ultracentrifuge rotor. The lubricating system also functions as a cooling means for an electric motor within the drive system by the use of a unique cooling feed tube in the central portion of the drive system. An orifice in the top of the cooling feed tube will control the head of the lubricating medium within the system. Specific design of the fit between the direct drive assembly and the drive housing in conjunction with the head on the lubricating medium will regulate the drip rate of the lubricating medium to the bearings. The use of the unique lubrication and cooling system maintains the close tolerances of the various elements such as the high speed bearings of the drive system because the temperature of the overall drive system is controlled.

Abstract: A direct drive system for a high speed ultracentrifuge. The drive spindle assembly is removable through the rotor chamber without disturbing any vacuum seals that are present to isolate the requisite vacuum environment in the rotor chamber for high speed rotation. All of the high speed bearings are connected to the spindle assembly for removal as a unit. An induction motor provides the direct drive with the motor armature mounted on the drive spindle assembly.

Abstract: An improved rotor imbalance detector for a centrifuge comprising a rotatable electrically conducting ring; means to support and insulate the conducting ring from the centrifuge spindle shaft, and yet permit rotational movement of the conducting ring with respect to the support means, when the conducting ring is struck by the centrifuge drive spindle during an imbalance condition, means for de-energizing the power supplied to the centrifuge motor which rotates the drive spindle, and an electrically conducting lead in electrical contact with the conducting ring and the de-energizing means.

Abstract: A system of bypass passages adjacent bearing means in the drive system of an ultracentrifuge which operates in a vacuum environment. The bypass passages or channels are designed to prevent the establishment of a pressure differential across the bearings in the drive system when a vacuum is being pulled or exists around the drive system when it is operating. The unique bypass system prevents the loss of lubricating material within the drive system during air evacuation of the drive system and the rotor chamber when a vacuum environment is being established within the rotor chamber. Also, the bypass system promotes a more uniform and constant flow of lubricating medium in the bearings.

Abstract: A closing structure for the top of a centrifuge chamber comprising a door which is slidable horizontally toward and away from closed position, a retaining member above the door which permits a limited upward movement of the door, side members which surround the closed door on three sides to contain shrapnel from a rotor failure, and a flange extending downwardly from the door on its fourth side to contain shrapnel.

Abstract: A vacuum bushing for an ultracentrifuge that minimizes excessive oil loss due to the high pressure differential across the bushing and allows automatic reclaiming and reusing of a major portion of the uncontaminated oil flow. The bushing is provided with first and second annular chambers, one chamber being connected to an atmospheric oil reservoir and the other chamber being connected to a vacuum oil reservoir. The major oil flow is from the atmospheric reservoir to the first chamber, along the rotor drive shaft to the second chamber, and then to the vacuum reservoir. The vacuum reservoir is connected to the atmospheric reservoir by a one-way check valve so that the oil is automatically returned to the atmospheric reservoir when the centrifuge is deactivated and the vacuum released.