Abstract: A tool for reshaping or expanding metal tubular material includes an expandable mandrel having a plurality of duplicate spreader segments held in a cluster by an elastic O-ring about a wedge-shaped cam member, each of the segments including an external, curved wall having a curvature corresponding to a curvature of an external curved wall in every other segment such that when all segments are equally spaced a predetermined amount, they form a cylinder having gaps between adjacent spreader segments for contact against an internal surface of said tubular material for reshaping or expanding said tubular material. The wedge-shaped cam member includes a plurality of external faces corresponding to a number of internal spreader segment faces sloped to converge toward a front, mandrel-insertion end of the cam member and shaped complementary to the shape of the internal spreader segment faces for sliding engagement of the segments over an adjacent external face of the cam member.

Abstract: An arrangement for coupling and decoupling gripper rail partial sections of a transfer press in which the gripper rail partial sections are to be clamped together flange-like. The clamping bolt is adapted to be actuated by an adjusting drive in the displacement direction and in a rotary movement. A slide member displaceable in the end portion of the gripper rail partial section includes slide guidances which extend at an inclination to the displacement direction and in which pressure members are displaceably supported. During the displacement of the clamping bolt, the slide member is moved along and the pressure members are displaced into the separating gap between the gripper rail partial sections under abutment at stop members in the end portion of the gripper rail partial section to be coupled. The clamping anchor is adapted to be fixed at a ball socket by rotation and by retraction.

Abstract: An arrangement for the feeding of sheet-metal blanks to a first machine stage is provided. A drawing stage of a transfer press is provided which has a conveying device for taking sheet-metal blanks from a supply pile and depositing them in an intermediate depositing stage adjacent the supply pile. The conveying means takes the sheet-metal blanks from the intermediate depositing stage to a first machining stage adjacent the intermediate depositing stage. Transfer rails are provided which can be driven in transfer direction, in lifting in lowering direction and in closing and opening direction. Gripping devices are attached to the transfer rails for the transport of the workpieces between the machining stages.

Abstract: A sheet metal working tool particularly adapted for automobile body repair comprising a slide hammer assembly attached to a suction cup from which air is drawn through the assembly. One embodiment utilizes a separate vacuum pump or ejector connected to the assembly through a vacuum hose. Another embodiment incorporates a compressed air-operated vacuum ejector functioning on the venturi principle into a stop on the end of the slide hammer assembly opposite the suction cup.

Abstract: A rugged electronic pressure scanner which is capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions is provided with a transducer per port configuration. Internal multiplexing, amplification and integral calibration valve permit on-line calibrations. The construction of a plurality of individual transducer modules each containing its own electronics permits field replacement of individual pressure transducer modules in the event of destruction or inoperativeness.

Abstract: A meter measures the quality of steam flowing in a conduit. The steam comprises a liquid and a vapor. The meter includes a mixer in the conduit for mixing the steam in the conduit to produce a mixture which has a density representative of the liquid and the vapor. A density sensor, or desitometer, senses the density of the mixture. The densitomer produces an improved output due to the mixing. A pressure sensor senses pressure in the steam line. A calculating means, such as a microprocessor system, calculates the steam quality as a function of the sensed density and pressure.

Abstract: A core holder for use in the testing of a geologic core sample or other similiar cylindrical sample. An elastic rubber sleeve for receipt of a core sample is disposed in an open-ended, cylindrical cavity of an open-ended, cylindrical body. The ends of the sleeve are fitted over flanged ferrules. A cylindrical end plug is releasably locked in one end of the body with one of its ends inserted through the adjacent ferrule engage one end of the core sample. A cylindrical piston housing having a cylindrical cavity is releasably locked in the other end of the body. A cylindrical piston is disposed in the cavity of the piston housing with one of its ends protruding from an open end of the cavity and inserted through the adjacent ferrule to engage the other end of the core sample. Pressurized fluid moves the piston to apply axial force to the core sample. The sleeve is compressed by pressurized fluid to apply radial force to the core sample. Test fluid conduits are provided in the piston and the end plug.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the impermeability to gases of connections between pieces of piping, especially between pipes and sleeves, utilizes tow elastic sealing bodies that are spaced apart from each other. The sealing bodies can be pressed against the surfaces of the pipes in response to the application of axial stresses to thus confine the testing location which is to be monitored. The first sealing body is located in the pipe inwardly of the testing location and is adapted to be pressed from within against the surface of the pipe, and the second sealing body can be pressed against the periphery of the sleeve. This renders it possible to test, already within the manufacturing plant, even short pieces of piping for impermeability to leaks.

Abstract: A sensor for scanning physical processes in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes a pressure-sensitive element formed by two sapphire small parts one of which has a recess and forms a pressure diaphragm to which resistors are applied. The sensor is formed by means of the silicon-on-sapphire technology.

Abstract: A transducer head for a moving surface dynamometer comprises a casing having connections for attachment to a extremity of a support arm on a sliding carriage of a loading head of the eventual dynamometer. An axle housing in the casing supports an axle of a test subject to be spun in rolling contact with the moving surface. A multiplicity of strain transducer links are connected in load-transmitting relationship between the axle housing and the casing for supplying signals indicating tensile or compressive load therein. There are six such links in a defined pattern. Each link is advantageously threadedly attached to the axle housing and has at its outer end a male tapered threaded region that registers with a straight threaded bore in a cap attached to the casing, a tapered sleeve having external and internal threads of the same pitch being tightenable to connect the outer end of the link to the cap and thence to the housing without correspondingly straining the link.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter using a pair of temperature-variable resistance elements as detectors. Both elements are exposed to the fluid flow and supplied with a series of current pulses. The pulses supplied to one element, the reference element, are of very short duration so as to have no appreciable heating effect; the pulses supplied to the other element are of longer duration and are controlled so as to maintain this element at a fixed temperature differential above the other element, which remains at fluid temperature. The pulse width of the longer duration pulses is a measure of the flow rate of the fluid. Since the relationship between heat dissipated in the element and fluid flow varies with fluid temperature, the voltage pulses across the reference element are used as a measure of fluid temperature to compensate for this variation in calculating the exact fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A gauge (10) is disclosed which incorporates an improved case assembly. In one embodiment, a case (14) is designed for use with either a bayonet ring (22) or a friction fit ring such as an elastomeric ring (50) or a push in window (156). In the first embodiment, cam followers (28) are positioned in pockets (46) formed on the case (14) to orient the followers and the followers are then secured to the case, as by welding. Cam surfaces (32) on the bayonet ring (22) cooperate with the followers to secure the ring on the case. When using a friction fit ring (50, 150) the case defines an interior surface (44) to receive the ring. In a second embodiment, curved strips (132) are secured to the exterior surface of the case (130). Cam followers (140) are used on the bayonet ring (138) to cooperate with the cam surfaces on the curved strips to secure the ring to the case. Alternately, an elastomeric ring (50) or push in ring (152) can be used with the case (130).

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the stiffness of creases of a packet blank comprises first and second spaced apart guides, on which a flat blank may be supported, and a plunger which is movable between the guides to deform the blank about a crease(s). The plunger brings part of the blank into contact with a bearing surface, and a panel(s) bent relatively of that part rests against force measuring means. The force measuring means provides a signal indicative of the resistance to bending of a crease about which the panel(s) has been bent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining when critical flow conditions are reached in a nozzle. The apparatus comprises a flow nozzle having a throat therein, a means for measuring temperature in the throat, a means for measuring temperature downstream of the throat, and a means for determining differential temperature between the throat and the downstream location. The method comprises measuring a temperature in the throat of the critical flow nozzle, measuring the temperature downstream of the nozzle, and adjusting an upstream pressure to maximize the difference between the throat and the downstream location.

Abstract: A device for measuring the amount of tensile force required to remove a roof fastener from a roof supporting structure. The device includes a base, a sliding parallel shaft assembly, a hydraulic cylinder, and a threaded screw. The lower end of the sliding shaft assembly engages the head of the fastener. The threaded screw threadably engages the upper platform of the sliding shaft assembly, and has a lower end biasing upon the piston of the hydraulic cylinder. As the threaded screw tightened downwardly, the lower end of the screw pushes the piston downwardly such that the fluid within the cylinder is compressed. Simultaneously, the sliding shaft assembly is drawn upwardly such that a tensile force is applied to the fastener. A pressure gauge determines the pressure level within the cylinder, which, by calibration of the like, may be used to determine the amount of tensile force exerted upon the fastener.

Abstract: A drum shaft assembly for a drum dynamometer includes at least one annular inertia element on the shaft and releaseably couplable to the shaft and drum to vary the inertia thereof. The assembly carries first interrupted thread means releasably engageable with second interrupted thread means rotatably supported in the inertia element. A manipulator is slideable axially of the drum and shaft assembly between a stand-by position and a working position where it can offer or receive the inertia element to or from the shaft and drum. The manipulator has a support for supporting the inertia element and a rotatable key operable to bring about relative rotation of the first and second interrupted thread means to fasten the inertia element to or to release the inertia element from the shaft and drum.

Abstract: An improved SCUBA diving gauge. A pictograph display is provided which has a shape which conveys the type of information being displayed. The pictograph has the shape of a SCUBA tank for a tank pressure display and the shape of a person for a display of nitrogen absorbed. Pressure transducers coupled to the SCUBA tank and the external water provide the pressure readings required to produce the respective displays. The differential signal from the transducer is supplied to a processor through an auto-zeroing circuit. The auto-zeroing circuit uses a capacitor initially coupled to an amplifier reference input and single ended output to store an offset voltage. During a measurement, the capacitor is disconnected from the amplifier output and has its other lead coupled to a full scale value of the differential input to produce an output signal which is a ratio.

Abstract: A driving arrangement for a pump, especially a liquid metering pump, includes a pump tappet mounted on a support for displacement in and opposite to a predetermined direction during a pumping and a return stroke thereof, respectively. A restoring spring member urges the pump tappet opposite to the predetermined direction. There is further provided a mechanical energy storage device which includes a storage tappet mounted on the support spaced from the pump tappet for displacement in and opposite to the predetermined direction, and an elastically yieldable storage member urging the storage tappet in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for backlash-free conversion of a rotary motion into a linear motion with the aid of a toothed belt and of a drive gear, in particular for a quick and reproducible positioning of tools or tool tables. At least one gear rack adjustable in one direction is present. Arcuate guides are provided at the two sides of the drive gear. The arcuate guides maintain the toothed belt in such engagement with the gear rack that one section receives the load and only a short, defined section of the toothed belt is disengaged from the teeth. Furthermore, the toothed belt is provided as an endless loop.

Abstract: A friction impulse transmission mechanism, which finds application in mechanism engineering, electrical industry and power engineering for impulse driving of mechanisms allow a broad range of regulation of the revolutions, reduced skidding between the flexible elements and the end shaft, prolonged life-time and a constant transmission ratio.The mechanism comprises a driving shaft and an endshaft enveloped by two flexible elements. According to the invention the driving shaft is a crankshaft with two cranks disposed at a distance of 180 degrees one from the other, and the two flexible elements are each connected at one end to a tightening device. In the zone between the end points where the flexible elements fit the end shaft and the place where the flexible elements are connected to the driving shaft there is connected a device for stretching the flexible elements.

Abstract: A steering column having a pair of steering column members arranged coaxially about a first axis. One of the steering column members is axially movable along the first axis relative to the other steering column member. The steering column members are supported for angular movement about a second axis extending transverse to the first axis. A first lock releasably locks the members in one of a plurality of relative axial positions along the first axis. A second lock releasably locks the members in one of a plurality of angular positions about the second axis. A control lever is mounted for pivotal movement toward and away from a neutral position. An actuator operates in response to pivotal movement of the control lever away from the neutral position in a direction of desired movement of the one member to actuate one or both of the first and second locks to release the one member for movement to the desired position in the same direction in which the control lever is moved.

Abstract: A screw-nut type driving mechanism having a rotatable screw shaft, a nut engaged with the screw shaft and a driven member secured to the nut. The nut has an axially tapered outer surface which is formed with external threads. The driven member has an internally threaded, axially tapered hole with which the nut is threadably engaged. A retaining plate is provided to hold the nut on the driven member to prevent rotation of the nut.

Abstract: An automatic self-adjusting cable control device comprising an outer member, an inner member having longitudinally spaced serrations, a spring yieldingly urging the inner member in one direction relative to the outer member, a clutch mechanism between the outer member and the inner member operable to adjust the position of the inner member depending upon the forces applied to the inner and outer members, respectively, and a mechanism for locking the inner member relative to the outer member comprising a first member fixed on the outer member and having an opening through which the inner member extends, a second member rotatably mounted on the first member about an axis spaced radially from the axis of the first member and having an opening through which the inner member extends. The opening through the second member is positioned so that in one rotatable position of the second member relative to the first member, the opening of the second member is aligned with the opening in the first member.

Abstract: Device comprising a screw (6) and a nut (8) subjected to an axial force which alternates in opposite directions, the thread (7) of the screw having a given helix angle and a given pressure angle which are so chosen that, in a first direction, termed reversible direction, the screw (6) is capable, under the axial thrust exerted in this direction by a spring (20), of effecting a translation and a rotation in the nut (8), and that, in a second direction, termed irreversible direction, opposed to the first direction, the screw undergoing an axial thrust in this second direction by a push-member (9), can effect neither a translation nor a rotation in the nut. This assembly may be applied to the automatic taking up of play of systems subjected to alternating longitudinal forces, such as shafts of electric motors or cable controls.

Abstract: A driver unit for use in a window regulator for raising and lowering a panel of window glass has a drum case to be mounted on a fixed member such as a door panel, a drum rotatably supported in the drum case for winding a wire thereon and feeding the wire therefrom upon rotation thereof, the drum having an axial shank, a spiral spring having one end engaging the shank, and a spring cover supported on the drum case and accommodating the spiral spring therein, the other end of the spiral spring being fixed to the spring cover, the shank of the drum being rotatably supported on the spring cover. The spring cover is securely locked on the drum case by a reliable locking arrangement which can easily be assembled.

Abstract: A range of motion limiting device for limiting the range of motion of a rotating input assembly on a trunk extension/flexion test, rehabilitation and exercise machine. The device has a cam lock and a cam lock housing, each of which is one integral piece. The cam lock has a cylindrical cam base, a cam extending from the cam base, an L-shaped tongue and a bracket. A shock absorber is mounted in the bracket. The cam lock housing has a locking knob thread for a locking knob, an L-shaped groove into which the L-shaped tongue of the cam lock fits when the device is assembled, an elongated hole for receiving the cam and cam base of the cam lock, and a ring clamp groove which nests around a semi-circular ring which is mounted on the machine. The device is assembled by inserting the cam and cam base into the elongated hole of the cam lock housing and rotating the cam lock relative to the cam lock housing to a final assembled position.

Abstract: In a pedal crank mechanism at least one curved coupling spring is provided for resiliently coupling the pedal crank and the sprocket wheel and is resiliently backed by at least one backing member carried by the sprocket wheel or by the pedal crank. The curved coupling spring engages the backing member at retaining means which are carried by the sprocket wheel or by the pedal crank, or at a point spaced from said retaining means. From the zone in which said coupling spring is backed by the backing member, the coupling spring extends so as to progressively increase its radial distance from the backing surface of the backing member.

Abstract: A robot including a balancing mechanism or balancer with a compression spring which flexes to compensate for the gravitational moment between an arm assembly and a base of the robot. The compression spring is chosen to have a force-deflection characteristic to account for the gravitational moment and the geometry of the mechanism. The arm assembly has a pivotal connection which pivotally supports the arm assembly on the base of the robot for movement about a pivotal axis. The mechanism can be adjusted for various arm assembly lengths and/or payloads. The mechanism includes a spring support, a connecting rod having a longitudinal axis and connected to the spring support for communicating motion of the spring support to the arm assembly at an attachment point offset from the pivotal axis. The resulting balancing mechanism is relatively compact, which lends itself to robotics applications where space is limited.

Abstract: A steering ring core is fabricated by telescopically assembling into a ring a plurality of arcuate alternating solid connecting elements and tubular steering ring elements and welding radiating spoke elements at their outer ends to the solid connecting elements. The steering ring elements are secured to the connecting elements by squeeze-forming respective portions of the steering ring elements into external indentations formed in the connecting elements.

Abstract: A versatile transmission, particularly a test stand transmission, in which internally and/or externally toothed conversion elements can be inserted from the outside to transmit torque from gears driven by one or more input shafts to one or more output shafts.

Abstract: In a slip-controlled system for road vehicles with all-wheel drive, the rear-axle differential gear (5) and/or the intermediate differential (3) are equipped with differential locks (33, 34). An electronic brake slip control unit (50) automatically disengages the differential locks (33, 34) partially or entirely upon the occurrence of an imminent locked condition or upon commencement of brake slip control. Coupling devices are provided as differential locks (33, 34) which allow coupling of the output shafts (8, 11; 9, 10) and which are isolated electrically or hydraulically in the control phase.

Abstract: A hydraulic servo for friction coupling devices of automatic transmissions, the hydraulic servo comprising: an annular drum including outer and inner cylinders and a side wall connecting the two cylinders together and mounted fixedly or rotatably within an automatic transmission case; an intermediate cylinder mounted concentrically in a predetermined position between the outer and inner cylinders of the drum; a return biasing means located between the intermediate and inner cylinders; and a connecting member securely connecting the return biasing means to a piston.

Abstract: In a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the desired engine speed is defined as a function of the throttle position. The speed ratio of the CVT is controlled such that the actual engine speed reaches the desired engine speed. The desired engine speed is set to B (Nos-Nos') upon the abrupt change in the throttle position, where B is a positive value less than 1, Nos is a desired steady-state engine speed after the change and Nos' is a desired steady-state engine speed before the change. Thereafter the desired engine speed approaches gradually the desired steady-state engine speed corresponding to the present throttle position. In the present invention the values of B in acceleration and deceleration of a vehicle are defined different from each other.

Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission comprises an engine brake control valve, a downshift timing valve, an electro-hydraulic transducer operable in an engine brake control first mode or a downshift timing control second mode, a shuttle valve fluidly disposed between the electro-hydraulic transducer and the engine brake control valve and the downshift timing valve, and a controller for the electro-hydraulic transducer. The electro-hydraulic transducer is controlled to be maintained in ON state thereof during engine load range where the shuttle valve is designed to shift from one to the other position, thereby to render the engine brake inoperable even though the timing control may be carried out if the shuttle valve assumes the appropriate position.

Abstract: A vehicle automatic transmission including a torque converter and a multiple stage transmission gear mechanism. The gear mechanism is controlled through a hydraulic system having solenoid valves. An electronic control unit is provided to control the hydraulic system under a shift control map having shift up and shift down control lines. The shift down control line is determined in terms of the torque converter turbine speed and the engine throttle valve position as a line in which the torque converter is operated with a torque ratio of substantially one.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator for a frictionally engaged unit of a vehicular transmission includes a first transmission and a second transmission coupled to the output side of the first transmission and provided with a speed step change mechanism which has a frictionally engaging element for engaging a rotary member to a fixed member in such a manner as to enable an optional disengagement between the rotary member and the fixed member.

Abstract: A hand tool, such as striking device like a sledgehammer, having replaceable head elements, which device comprises a handle having a raised extension on one end and a threaded cavity therein, and a replaceable head element, having a cavity therein; an insert having a hole therein to fit into the top part of the cavity of the head element, a threaded bolt, an a retaining tubular, elastomeric element, subject to expansion on axial compression, whereby various head elements of different cavity size may be secured to the extension of the handle by placing the threaded bolt through the insert hole and through tubular retaining element and threading the bolt into a threaded cavity of the raised extension to axially compress and expand outwardly the tubular elastomeric element into a frictional and shock-absorbing relationship with the interior surface of the head element cavity, thereby providing a hand tool device by which head elements having various cavity dimensions may be rapidly and efficiently secured to the

Abstract: A handle cap designed for use on a tool handle is disclosed. The handle cap has a cavity which forms an annular rim portion and an inner face. The annular rim portion of the cap is sleeved over an end of the tool handle so that the tool handle protrudes into the cavity and is abutted by the inner face of the cavity. The handle cap includes a tapered, projecting end portion extending outwardly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tool handle. The end portion has a channel formed therein which extends through the end portion and within which is fixed an elongated, permanent magnet. By using a handle cap which includes a projecting end portion as described, it is possible to use a longer and more powerful magnet than was possible in previous devices.

Abstract: A fluid-operated wrench has a reciprocable driving element having a driving end, and a lever arm element pivotable about an axis and having a connecting end pivotably connected with the reciprocable driving element by means of opening provided in the one end of one of the elements and having one straight side, and a sliding member having a side which slides over the straight side of the opening and being pivotably connected with the other element.

Abstract: A wrench comprises a lower jaw member which has a handle portion, and is provided with a lower grip teeth portion formed in its front end surface adjacent to which a longitudinal guide hole is formed therein; an upper jaw member which has a substantially reversed-L shape, and is provided with a leg portion inserted into the guide hole of the lower jaw member in a slidable manner, and has an upper grip teeth portion formed in a head portion thereof so as to be opposite to the lower grip teeth portion of the lower jaw member, and has a longitudinally elongated hole formed in the leg portion; a swingable pawl which is inserted into the elongated hole of the upper jaw member and supported by a supporting pin both ends of which are mounted on opposite walls of the guide hole of the lower jaw member, and engages with a side wall of the elongated hole of the upper jaw member in detachable manner; and a spring for urging the upper jaw member always to its gripping position.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench having a fixed jaw and a spring biased movable jaw. A coil spring acts on an end of a worm gear opposite the fixed jaw, which, in turn, acts on a rack of teeth provided on a portion of the movable jaw to force the movable jaw towards the fixed jaw. The worm gear is rotated to advance the movable jaw against an object which is to be gripped. Upon contact of both the movable jaw and the fixed jaw with the object, the worm gear is rotated further to compress the coil spring. The force of the coil spring against the worm gear diminishes looseness between the worm gear and the movable jaw, and compression of the coil spring further diminishes any such looseness and enhances holding power of the wrench about the object.

Abstract: In order to be able to remove a screw that has been installed, in a power-driven screwing head, it is proposed according to the present invention that the recessed portion of smaller diameter be divided into two zones that extend in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve, there being a recessed portion of greater diameter between said zones.

Abstract: A portable machine for field facing and threading of pipe including a housing in which is carried a shaft for rotation about a central axis. Attachment apparatus attaches the housing to the end of a pipe so that the central axis of the machine and pipe are substantially coaxial. Attached to the shaft is a cutting tool assembly which rotates with the shaft to cut the end of the pipe. Linear and radial feed components provide, respectively, generally longitudinal and transverse motion to the cutting tool assembly relative to the central axis of the machine.

Abstract: A horizontal disc is supported on an arm on a portable saw mill carriage in a plane such that the disc is arranged to follow a horizontal saw kerf to provide vertical stabilization between a log and a carriage. Also a foot is mounted on an arm and is arranged to engage the face portion of a log to provide lateral stabilization. This arm is laterally adjustable for locating it according to the depth of cut. Furthermore, a hold-down wheel assembly is supported on a link which is urged downwardly to provide vertical stabilization between a log and the carriage.

Abstract: A bell crank type strip feeding apparatus is disclosed in which one arm of the bell crank is coupled to an actuator and the other arm has a feed pawl thereon for feeding the strip. The actuator is a crank pin which is moved along a circular path about a fixed center. The intermediate pivot of the bell crank is mounted for movement along an arcuate path in response to the circular motion of the crank pin. The intermediate pivotal axis of the bell crank is yieldingly supported so that it can move laterally of the arcuate axis path when the feed pawl engages a fixed stop. A shearing mechanism is also disclosed for shearing the strip material at the conclusion of the feeding stroke.

Abstract: A portable set of electronic drums includes individual drum units which are attached to different parts of a musician's body to provide maximum mobility for a stage performance. An impulse analyzer with each of the drum units processes the outputs of the drum units for transmission to a synthesizer which further processes and amplifies the resulting sound for application to a loudspeaker. A wire, radio transmitter or optical link may be employed to communicate the signals from the musician's body to a stationary synthesizer and loudspeaker. A percussion transducer in the musician's shoe may be employed to further increase the flexibility of the system. The output of the percussion transducer in the musician's shoe is combined with the outputs of the remaining drum units to create a total drum signal. In addition, the outputs of the shoe percussion transducer and the drum units may be employed to control the energization of optical emitters on the person of the musician.

Abstract: A guitar mute has a tubular body of elasticized terrycloth. Hook and eye fasteners provide selectable tension on the strings when the mute is attached to the neck of the guitar. A felt pad sewn into the middle of the mute adapts to the contour of the fingerboard. Being slightly shorter than the distance between the two outermost strings, the felt pad, along with the elastic in the tubular body, provides an even pressure to all strings. The mute can be slid along the neck with one hand without removing the mute from the guitar.

Abstract: A media loaded computerized sound emphasizer device for synchronizing a light show performance to music based upon active computer control instead of conventional passive sound control or inaccurate manual comprising a computer and media playback unit controlled by the computer, a power distribution unit, and one or more light units, wherein each song used with this apparatus cooperates with an individualized program thereby allowing the audience to experience the audio detail through the visual sense.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a braided covering over an article, such as a wire harness, which is continuously operable for forming a braided covering throughout the entire length of the wire harness. A sensor, operable in response to movement of the material being utilized for forming the braided covering, is actuable to control the operation of a mechanism for advancing the braided harness out from the zone of braiding operation to permit the continuous braiding of the harness throughout the length thereof. A detector, operable in response to the presence of deformations in the braided harness, controls operation of the advancing mechanism and braiding operation to detect, for example, breaks in the threaded material being supplied for the braiding operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for braiding an article from a plurality of fibers, comprising a plurality of ring members of substantially the same size which are disposed side-by-side in axially aligned relation and have means for supporting fiber carriers for axial movement relative thereto. The ring members are mounted for rotation about a common central axis relative to each other. A plurality of rows of fiber carriers are mounted on the ring members for axial movement relative to the ring members. Actuating means are provided to rotate the ring members and to move the rows of fiber carriers axially in a predetermined manner to intertwine the fibers.