Abstract: A light and stiff bow for stringed musical instruments may comprise a tubular stick having a plurality of spaced perforations, provided with a frog, a head, and a tensioning arrangement.

Abstract: In a stringed instrument such as a guitar, a fingerboard is slidably engaged with the instrument's neck, preferably by means of flanges that engage with corresponding grooves along the lateral edges of the neck.

Abstract: A light and stiff bow for stringed musical instruments may comprise a tubular stick having a plurality of spaced perforations, provided with a frog, a head, and a tensioning arrangement.

Abstract: In a stringed instrument such as a guitar, a fingerboard is slidably engaged with the instrument's neck, preferably by means of flanges that engage with corresponding grooves along the lateral edges of the neck.

Abstract: A clutch comprises two plates each connected to a respective shaft, so that rotary power may be transmitted. One shaft exerts engagement force near the center of the first plate, whereas the second shaft exerts engagement force about the circumference of the second plate. In this manner it is provided that the first plate tends to deform convexly, whereas the second plate tends to deform concavely, as the plates approach and then engage each other. Due to the geometry resulting from the deformation of the plates, engagement surfaces on the first plate are urged towards receiving surfaces on the second plate, with said surfaces entering into firm contact with each other, as said plates deform convexly and concavely respectively; despite the fact that when the plates are undeformed, there may be clearance rather than interference between said surfaces so that rotation is not transmitted between the plates.

Abstract: A microphone senses the sound generated by a tool cutting a workpiece. The sound is analysed and compared to prior known sounds of good and bad cutting operations by an audio-processing device, and computer-controlled feedback is provided to control the tool and/or workpiece appropriately. The system can improve the quality of its feedback as a result of experience with particular tools and workpieces.

Abstract: A guitar neck made as a unitary part, including its frets and nut, is provided with a coating of sufficient hardness to resist string wear. Slots arrayed longitudinally along the back of the neck permit the neck to be light in weight, while being made of a material rigid enough to resist warping from string tension. Due to this integral configuration, the neck does not require a trussrod.

Abstract: A clutch comprises two plates each connected to a respective shaft, so that rotary power may be transmitted. One shaft exerts engagement force near the center of the first plate, whereas the second shaft exerts engagement force about the circumference of the second plate. In this manner it is provided that the first plate tends to deform convexly, whereas the second plate tends to deform concavely, as the plates approach and then engage each other. Due to the geometry resulting from the deformation of the plates, engagement surfaces on the first plate are urged towards receiving surfaces on the second plate, with said surfaces entering into firm contact with each other, as said plates deform convexly and concavely respectively; despite the fact that when the plates are undeformed, there may be clearance rather than interference between said surfaces so that rotation is not transmitted between the plates.

Abstract: A loop is constructed so as to slip easily over a button shank, but to resist unwanted detachment. This is accomplished by providing a coil of wire adjacent the opening for retaining the button shank, which acts as a spring to enhance the resilience of the loop at precisely the needed region. The loop can be made of a one-piece welded construction, thereby mitigating concerns that have arisen about use of a separate encasement.

Abstract: An unstayed sail for a water craft, such as a spinnaker, is provided with tapes along its luff and leech, which can be brought into contact with each other, for releasable engagement, solely by finger pressure. This permits the spinnaker to be prepared for easy hoisting in a short time, even under difficult conditions of rough seas and little or no light. On hoisting the spinnaker, the sheet and guy are pulled apart in order to separate the tapes and permit the spinnaker to fill with wind in a controlled manner, from foot to head.

Abstract: An article of footwear for skiing comprises a rigid-soled sandal attached to the foot with straps; a three-part hinge mechanism located behind the heel for stabilizing the leg laterally while permitting flexing at the knee; and a breathable, waterproof insulating outer covering; thereby providing a comfortable, warm and dry environment for the foot while permitting edge control of the ski.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument of the type having a trussrod acting under tension for reinforcing the neck against warping is provided with a system for automatically increasing the tension on the trussrod in proportion to the tension on the strings, thus maintaining both neck straightness and optimal string height with respect to the fretboard and any pickups the instrument may have. The instrument's tailpiece pivots so as to redirect the string tension into tension applied to the trussrod. The tailpiece may be provided with fine tuners or with a tremolo bar. Even on operation of the tremolo bar, there is no tendency for the neck to warp, because the changes in string tension caused by the tremolo bar are automatically and immediately counteracted by the trussrod.

Abstract: An electric stringed musical instrument has two separate modules: a string tension module and a set-up module. The string tension module is assigned the function of holding the string(s) at a predetermined tension. The set-up module is assigned the functions of defining the string length, bridge height and pickup height. Changes in string tension within the string tension module have no effect on operation of the set-up module in performing its assigned functions. The string tension module includes a bow, at least one string, and string tension adjusting means. The set-up module includes a bridge, fingerboard, nut and pickup. Universal joints connect the set-up module to the string tension module. The set-up module in its entirety is independently suspended with respect to the string tension module, and free of stresses set up within the bow by tensioning of the strings. The bow need not be particularly rigid, though it may be.