Abstract: In order to easily, rapidly and precisely carry out a setting work after exchange of a pressuring unit, a shank module is provided that is capable of integrally exchanging a shank of a pressing unit. The shank module is configured to removably link a main body and a ram. By adopting the universal pressing unit, adjustment after exchange of the pressing unit becomes considerably easier. Additionally, in carrying out a universal design of a terminal-feeding mechanism, improved workability is implemented by linking the setting of press conditions with the feed conditions of a terminal belt. In order to accomplish this goal, an anvil unit of a press mechanism is configured to be detachable from a main body base. Furthermore, a positioning mechanism is provided on the anvil unit. The positioning mechanism positions the setting position of moving elements of a driving mechanism of a terminal-feeding mechanism corresponding to the terminal belt.

Abstract: A system (20) for anchoring a vehicle frame (22) to a platform (24) utilizes a variety of securement components (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) to secure the vehicle frame (22) from movement at desired locations while the vehicle frame (22) is being aligned with pulling forces applied by pulling towers (26). The securement components (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) are held on cross beams (28, 30) which mount to anchoring stands (32), and the anchoring stands (32) are attached to the platform (24). The securement components include a rail vise (34), a C-channel clamp (36), a leaf spring shackle (38), L-clamps (40, 41), a slide plate (42), a hole adapter (44), a tie-down ratchet assembly (46), and a turnbuckle assist (48). The rail vise has two guide channels (78, 80) which slidably receive guide pins (114) therein. The guide pins (114) extend from a front movable clamp leg (74).

Abstract: A system (20) for anchoring a vehicle frame (22) to a platform (24) utilizes a variety of securement components (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) to secure the vehicle frame (22) from movement at desired locations while the vehicle frame (22) is being aligned with pulling forces applied by pulling towers (26). The securement components (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) are held on cross beams (28, 30) which mount to anchoring stands (32), and the anchoring stands (32) are attached to the platform (24). The securement components include a rail vise (34), a C-channel clamp (36), a leaf spring shackle (38), L-clamps (40,41), a slide plate (42), a hole adapter (44), a tie-down ratchet assembly (46), and a turnbuckle assist (48). The rail vise has two guide channels (78, 80) which slidably receive guide pins (114) therein. The guide pins (114) extend from a front movable clamp leg (74).

Abstract: The mixed oxide WxMo1−xO3, where preferably x can be in the range 0.01 to 0.9, is very useful for the detection of oxidizing gases and in particular is superior for the detection of ozone. The preferred composition is in the range of 1% to 21 % Mo (i.e. 99% to 79% W). The present example in which the composition of the sensing material is in the range WxMo1−xO3 with x varying from 0.01 to 0.9, is clearly distinct from the device claimed in applicant's earlier patent. Precipitation of the material as a mixed oxide from an aqueous solution of the ammonium metallates in concentrations of the appropriate stoichiometric proportions yields a powder that can be screen-printed to give an ideal microstructure. Resistivity of the material may be tailored to a desired value by adjusting the Mo/W ratio within the single phase field. Varying this ratio adjusts catalytic properties of the material.

Abstract: A gas analyzer for an oil drilling rig normally flows gas captured from a mud pit source through parallel paths from the gas source to a total gas analyzer. One of the paths is a loop path. Periodically the loop path is switched from the source to the total gas analyzer and connected to a path from an air supply to a chromatograph. After a short time during which the gas from the loop path is transferred to the chromatograph then the loop path is switched back to the original parallel path. This arrangement permits a small instrument to perform both the functions of total gas analyzer and chromatograph.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement is provided for soot particle-bearing gases, having a soot sensor in a gas conduit, and its use in methods for determining a soot concentration in flowing, soot particle-bearing gases, wherein at least one component stream of a soot particle-bearing gas stream in a gas conduit flows by and/or through at least one electrically-conducting structure. The problem presents itself of making available a sensor and a method for determining soot concentrations in flowing gases, with which even small amounts of soot can be reliably recorded. The problem is solved by a measuring arrangement with a soot sensor, which has an electrically-conducting structure with an electrical charge, and wherein an arrangement for generating another electrical charge on the soot particles is provided in the gas upstream of the soot sensor.

Abstract: An improved structure of a gas sensor is provided which may be employed in an oxygen measuring device of an air-fuel ratio control system measuring an oxygen content in exhaust gasses of an internal combustion engine of automotive vehicles. The structure includes a holding mechanism disposed within an air cover installed on an end of a sensor housing to cover a base of a gas-sensing element. The holding mechanism is made of a spring member or a rigid member to retain an insulation porcelain within the air cover elastically or rigidly. The use of the holding mechanism provides for ease of installation of the insulation porcelain, results in an increase in durability of the gas sensor, and allows the overall size of the gas sensor to be decreased.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon pump system having a leak detector comprising a processor, a pressure sensor, and optionally a temperature sensor. Gas leaks from the intra-aortic balloon pump system are detected by comparing shuttle gas pressure readings, taken just prior to IAB inflation, with similar thermodynamic histories, i.e. similar equilibrium times.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for affinity viscosimetry and a viscosimetric affinity sensor on the basis of sensitive liquids with analyte-dependent viscosity which are localized within a perfusable dialysis chamber and contain colloidal constituents which are cross-linked by affinity bonds. The viscosimetric affinity sensor according to this invention is characterized by the spatial or temporal separation of analyte diffusion from the measurement of the flow resistance. An important advantage of the invention consists in small volume-displacement and negligible structural change within the matrix to be investigated.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a fluid level is disclosed, which includes a coaxial sensor having a pair of conducting tubes positioned with respect to each other in spaced coaxial arrangement, a coaxial transmission line connected to the sensor, a means for injecting a standing wave into the coaxial sensor, a summer for summing the injected wave and a reflected wave connected to the sensor, a means for adjusting the frequency of the injected wave in response to the voltage and phase of the summed signal, and a processor for processing and displaying the frequency as a representation of the level of the fluid. A method for detecting the fluid level is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a method for determining a reference speed approximating a ground speed of a vehicle having a plurality of axles. The method includes selecting a minimum vehicle speed based on one of the axles having a minimum speed. An axle having a lowest amount of creep is determined and designated as a speed axle. A derived speed from the speed axle is obtained and compensated by subtracting a creep value from the derived speed to obtain a corrected speed. Operating dynamics for the vehicle are determined and a reference speed is determined based on the minimum vehicle speed or the corrected speed in response to the operating dynamics.

Abstract: An acoustic sensing system to measure an interior characteristic of an object, for example, density, the presence of defects, or bond integrity (of a laminated object). The system includes a first set of acoustic transducers acting as transmitters for transmitting acoustic wave energy at a single frequency, which acoustic wave energy interacts with the object in a sensing region to provide transmitted, scattered, and reflected wave energy. A transmitter mounting mechanism allows the transmitters to be positioned in such a way that acoustic energy reflected from the object sets up a reverberation between the transmitter and the object. A second set of acoustic transducers acting as receivers of acoustic wave energy is positioned opposite the transmitters in such a way that acoustic waves passing through the object are coupled to the receivers.

Abstract: The system and apparatus described herein relate to the measurement of vacuum pressure using a Vacuum Sensor (thermocouple) producing a voltage that is connected by cable to a portable, battery operated Vacuum Monitor instrument which converts it to a vacuum pressure and displays it in digital format on an LCD. The Monitor automatically supplies the proper filament current required by the Sensor, and the operation of the system is controlled by a microprocessor in the Monitor. The system makes it possible to measure vacuum pressure without external power and eliminates the need for manually operated switches and manual adjustments. A Test Sensor is provided with the Monitor to enable performing a fill functional and calibration test of the Monitor.

Abstract: A construction for mounting a pressure detector prevents the detector diaphragm from being strained by stress applied to the pressure detector as the detector is mounted in a fixture main body provided in a pipe line or the like, thereby keeping the output characteristics and temperature characteristics of the detector from greatly differing before and after the mounting. The pressure detector is constructed by combining and fastening together a diaphragm base having a diaphragm and a sensor base having a sensor element therein that is activated by displacement of the diaphragm base. The pressure detector, with a gasket placed thereunder, is disposed in a mounting hole of a fixture main body that is mounted in a pipe line. The pressure detector is air-tightly pressed and fastened by a presser member inserted from above in the mounting hole.

Abstract: A reusable apparatus for forming in situ concrete test specimens comprises a flexible open outer container and a series of smaller closable cylinders for placement within the larger container. The assembly is placed within a depression formed in the wet concrete when the slab is poured, with outer and inner containers being filled with representative concrete of the slab. The assembly is left for the concrete to cure, with smaller containers removed from the larger container after curing. Apparatus is included for facilitating lifting the sample from the slab, after curing. The larger portion of surrounding concrete is then broken away to access the smaller cylinders, which may be shipped to a testing facility where the inexpensive containers are removed to expose the test specimens. The larger outer containers may be flexed to remove it from the depression, and the depression filled with fresh concrete to repair the test site.

Abstract: A flow rate and flow velocity measurement device has a divided flow pipe 332 which is attached so as to be orthogonal to an intake pipe 1 of an engine, and into which a flow in the intake pipe 1 is introduced, an inlet plate 334 which extends in a direction orthogonal to a flow direction in the intake pipe 1 and forms a U-shape form pipe passage in the divided flow pipe 332, and a detection element 331 which is disposed so as to be exposed to a flow in the divided flow pipe 332 outside the intake pipe 1 and detects a flow rate and a flow velocity, wherein one end of the inlet plate 334 protrudes into the intake pipe 1 while passing a top opening of the divided flow pipe 332, and the divided flow pipe 332 has a flow passage structure symmetrical with the detection element 331 being made a center, so that an equivalent detection element 331 output is obtained in regard to both cases in which a fluid flows through the intake pipe 1 in a normal direction and a reverse direction.

Abstract: This comprises a single V-shaped tube (1) bent in a plane and having an inlet section (11), an outlet section (12), an inlet bend (13), an outlet bend; (14, a vertex bend, (15) and a respective tube section (16, 17) between the inlet bent and the outlet bent. Therefore, the distance between the vertex of the vertex bend and the inlet/outlet axis can be practically arbitrarily great; nevertheless, a high measurement accuracy, e.g., an accuracy of the order of ±0.5%, is attainable. Two clamping bodies (2, 3) are clamped onto the tube sections for defining a measuring length forming a tube section of the measuring tube. A respective flat body (31, 32) is fixed onto the clamping bodies (2, 3a).

Abstract: A magnetoelastic torque sensor for providing an output signal indicative of the torque applied to a member, comprising, a first magnetoelstically active region in the member, the region being ferromagnetic, magnetostrictive magnetically polarized in a single circumferential direction and possessing sufficient magnetic anisotropy to return the magnetization in the region to the single circumferential direction when the applied torque is reduced to zero, whereby the ferromagnetic, magnetostrictive region produces a magnetic field varying with the torque. Magnetic field sensors are mounted proximate to the ferromagnetic, magnetostrictive region to sense the magnetic field at the sensors and provide the output signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A system for improving the Baroball valve and a method for retrofitting an existing Baroball valve. This invention improves upon the Baroball valve by reshaping the interior chamber of the valve to form a flow meter measuring chamber. The Baroball valve sealing mechanism acts as a rotameter bob for determining mass flow rate through the Baroball valve. A method for retrofitting a Baroball valve includes providing static pressure ports and connecting a measuring device, to these ports, for measuring the pressure differential between the Baroball chamber and the well. A standard curve of nominal device measurements allows the mass flow rate to be determined through the retrofitted Baroball valve.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a system of fabricating a barrier wall between the testing and tester volumes of an environmental test chamber. This aspect may use a plurality of pallets adapted to receive a device under test and a testing apparatus, a framework adapted to receive a plurality of pallets, and a plurality of insulation bricks associated with the plurality of pallets. The insulation bricks may be adapted such that they can cooperate to form an insulating barrier between the device under test and the testing apparatus.

Abstract: An inertial motors utilizes a smoothly coordinated circular motion and converts the motion of circulating weights into a unidirectional series of impulses that drive a vehicle forward. Weights located on an armature are guided on tracks along radial paths from center of the armature. The position of the weights is controlled electromagnetically by solenoids. The solenoids are energized and de-energized at stations along their circular route in such a manner as to transfer linear momentum to the axis of the armature.

Abstract: In a four parallel shaft type automatic transmission, the driving force of a main shaft is transmitted to a first sub-shaft and a second sub-shaft via a gear train. A first speed clutch provided on the first sub-shaft and a fourth speed clutch and a fifth speed-reverse clutch provided on the main shaft on the left-hand side of the gear train are placed so that they are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the shafts, and a second speed clutch provided on the first sub-shaft and a third speed clutch provided on the second sub-shaft on the right-hand side of the gear train are placed so that they are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the shafts. Therefore, the overall axial length of the five clutches can be shortened so reducing the size of the automatic transmission.

Abstract: An arrangement with a torque-controlled gearbox, for which the torque present on the transmission driving shaft is measured with a non-contacting torque sensor and the torque sensor supplies a measuring signal, which is fed to the gear control unit as a variable for the correct shifting moment. With a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, the drive output of the combustion engine is transmitted to the crankshaft, and the torque present at the crankshaft is transmitted via a clutch and an intermediate gear to the transmission drive shaft, from there to an output drive shaft, and finally via a differential gear to the drive wheels of the motor vehicle. The torque sensor detects the torque actually present at the transmission drive shaft and feeds the measuring signal proportional to this torque to a gear control unit. The arrangement advantageously permits a torque-free shifting of gears in the gearbox, which can thus be carried out comfortably.

Abstract: A drive for a displaceable motor vehicle part which comprises at least one drive cable (22, 24) and a driven output pinion (12). The output pinion (12) drives a drive unit (14, 16; 114, 115, 116, 117) which engages the drive cable or cables (22, 24) at least at two points in order to drive it or them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-lever control for motor and sport boats with a hand lever having a handle and guided in at least one function plane for controlling the engine. In order to facilitate maneuvering for the pilot, the hand lever or its handle is pivotal about the axis of the hand lever in two directions against a spring force and at least one sensor detecting this rotation is provided whose output controls a steering system.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a rotary shift selecting apparatus for a vehicle capable of obtaining excellent operability while securing the liquid-proof ability. A rotary shift selecting apparatus for a vehicle comprising a base body 21 mounted to a vehicle frame, and a rotor 23 rotatably mounted to a supporting shaft 22 fixed to the base body 21 for selecting shift, wherein an annular fitting portion 24 which is coaxial of said supporting shaft 22 is formed between said base body 21 and said rotor 23, and an annular seal material 25/26 is interposed between said fitting portion 24 and a passing-through portion of said supporting shaft 22 of said rotor 23.

Abstract: Provided is a robot comprising a telescopic-drive mechanism which does not contaminate works in a purified environment such as a clean room, is easy to handle, and requires no cover for covering the telescopic-drive mechanism. A robot comprises: an up-down axis in which a plurality of hollow axis sectional elements telescopically continue; and a telescopic-drive mechanism for driving the up-down axis to be vertically extended or retracted between an extended state in which a tip end of the up-down axis extends with respect to a base end thereof and a retracted state in which the tip end is moved close to the base end, wherein the telescopic-drive mechanism is integrated on one side of the up-down axis without being exposed from the up-down axis.

Abstract: A device for retaining a sheath of a remote control via cable has an attachment molded integrally with a support. The attachment has a base part arising from the support to delimit a housing for accommodating a fitting of the sheath, as well as a cover linked to the base part by a film hinge, in such a way that the cover is able to pivot between an opening position for the insertion of the fitting and a locking position for trapping the fitting. In the position for locking the cover, the end fitting is held in the housing, being immobilized axially and free in rotation.

Abstract: A pedal-supporting apparatus includes a bracket support configured to pivotally support a brake pedal subassembly and an accelerator pedal subassembly. The brake pedal subassembly includes an upper section, a lower section, and an adjustment mechanism adjustably connecting the two sections. The adjustment mechanism includes a track defining a channel, and a follower having a flange-supported bearing shoe that slidably engages the channel. The bearing shoe includes partially-compressed resilient portions and crush ribs that provide a consistent and stable connection that takes up slack to prevent a sloppy connection, but also that facilitates manufacture and assembly of the arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced system and method for compensating for load imbalances of rotating members. An imbalance compensator may have a balancing ring wirelessly controlled by a ring controller. The balancing ring may have a housing containing a plurality of actuators configured to exert force against a compensation ring within the housing. The actuators may move the compensation ring with respect to the axis of rotation of the shaft in a direction substantially opposite the direction of the imbalance. The actuators may directly contact the compensation ring, or may exert the force through the use of mechanical transfer devices that provide a selected mechanical advantage. Alternatively, a chamber containing a magnetic fluid may be used to provide a counterbalancing mass. Particles within the magnetic fluid maybe concentrated opposite the imbalance direction through the use of electromagnets or permanent magnets mounted on movable carts.

Abstract: The present invention concerns powder compositions including iron-containing powders, additives, lubricant and flow agents. The powder compositions essentially consist of iron-containing particles having additive particles bonded thereto by a molten and subsequently solidified lubricant for the formation of aggregate particles and from about 0.005 to about 2 percent by weight of a flow agent having a particle size below 200 nanometers.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for handling doctor blades of a paper/board machine which are placed against a face of a roll in the paper/board machine to keep the face clean and to service the face. A doctor blade blank is formed from a doctor blade roll, i.e., from a reel of doctor blade material, by unwinding the roll of doctor blade material and cutting the doctor blade material at a determined cut-off point to thereby obtain a doctor blade blank having a desired pullout or blade length and which will be modified to form a doctor blade.

Abstract: A dieboard for diecutting machinery includes a face layer and a backing layer constructed of a resin-impregnated pulp paper sheet material, and a plurality of core layers constructed of a natural wood veneer located between the face and backing layers. The veneer layers adjacent the face and backing layers have a grain direction that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the dieboard. The layers are then shaped and laminated together to from the dieboard. The resulting dieboard is relatively free of surface defects.

Abstract: A nail-setting claw hammer head includes a main body and a claw. The main body has a top surface and a rear surface with the rear surface including a nail-head receiving recess formed therein. The claw is connected to the rear surface at one end and terminates at an opposite second end with a pair of claw sections that define a V-shaped slot therebetween. The nail-head receiving recess is positioned to face the V-shaped slot and is in a plane defined by horizontal and vertical axes of the main body.

Abstract: A drive tool which does not require any upper-body force from an operator to install a fastener. The drive tool includes a top portion which is engageable with a drive source and a lower portion which is engageable with a fastener. The drive tool includes springs which are configured to urge the lower portion and upper portion of the tool away from each other (i.e. relative movement) and provide that a generally axial force is applied to the fastener engaged with the lower portion of the tool. As a result, the operator does not need to apply any upper-body axial force to the drive tool to install the fastener. Preferably, the lower portion of the drive tool includes one or more foot pads on which an operator may stand, and the spring(s) become compressed when the operator stands on the foot pad(s).

Abstract: A reversible ratchet-type wrench includes a handle and a head extended from the handle. A web defined between the handle and the head includes a cavity communicated with a hole of the head and a receiving hole communicated with the cavity. An inner periphery defining the receiving hole includes a first positioning notch and a second positioning notch. A pawl is mounted in the cavity and includes a first side with teeth for meshing with teeth of a drive member rotatably mounted in the hole of the head. A switch member includes a turn-piece outside the receiving hole of the web for manual operation. The switch member further includes a positioning section extending from the turn-piece and a switching section extending from the positioning section. The positioning section is rotatably received in the receiving hole of the web and has a positioning member retained in one of the first positioning notch and the second positioning notch of the receiving hole of the web.

Abstract: A high-torque fastener having a threaded shaft and a star-shaped head is disclosed. The high-torque fastener is made of a resorbable or other non-magnetic material. A mating driver snugly fits around the star-shaped head of the fastener, to thereby apply torque to the perimeter of the star-shaped head. The driver can be made disposable, and the driver and fastener packaged together in a single, disposable assembly. Additionally, the driver can be color coded to indicate the size of the fastener which is pre-attached to the driver in the packaging.

Abstract: A quick sliding adjustable locking wrench is disclosed having slidable and movable opposing jaw areas for engaging and gripping hex angular, round, square or irregular workpieces of various sizes within its operating capacity. A quick release jaw mechanism, employed within the wrench, allows the operator of the wrench, rapid release of the jaws from the workpiece, to continue on to the next workpiece engagement. The jaw portions are additionally configured to firmly grip and lock on to the various workpieces.

Abstract: A tool apparatus for removing a lawn mower blade comprises an elongated arm having a handle on one end thereof and a socket wrench removably attached to the other end thereof. A blade holding yoke is removably attached to the other end of the elongated arm and has a pair of spaced yoke arms having a space therebetween. A blade holding yoke can be positioned under a blade holding nut for wedging between the blade and the blade holding nut while the wrench is engaged with the blade holding nut. The blade is held by the blade holding yoke while the wrench is rotated to remove the blade holding nut and blade from the lawn mower.

Abstract: A screw rope can be smoothly loaded to the driving position, and can be removed with just one finger.

Abstract: A multi-functional hand tool assembly includes a handle with tool attachments. The handle has opposite ends with opposite holes extending therethrough. The tool attachments are removably, interchangeably and reversibly insertable into the handle ends and each has a middle section and end tool sections connected to and extending in opposite directions from opposite ends of the middle section. Each middle section is identical to one another and has a continuous exterior surface which matches a continuous interior end surface defining each hole in a handle end such that the middle sections can snugly fit through the hole in either handle end so as to mount the tool attachments in non-rotatable relationships with the handle ends such that the tool attachments will turn with turning of the handle.

Abstract: The tool apparatus for holding a lawn mower blade for installation and removal of the blade has an elongated lever arm having a handle on the end thereof. A gripping portion is formed on the other end of the elongated lever arm blade engaging yoke formed thereon with a pair of spaced arms having a space therebetween. Each yoke arm has a blade engaging member extending perpendicular therefrom and each blade engaging member has a lip on the end thereof for engaging one side of the lawn mower blade over the lawn mower blade attaching nut. Each gripping portion has a third blade engaging member extending perpendicular therefrom and spaced from the pair of blade engaging members for engaging the other side of the lawn mower blade so that a lawn mower blade can be held by the tool over the lawn mower blade attaching nut for removing the attaching nut with a wrench.

Abstract: A splitter and cutting member guard assembly for mounting on a table saw or other similarly constructed device including a circular saw blade or other rotating, oscillating, or otherwise driven cutting member, a table portion including a workpiece supporting surface and having a void therethrough for passage of a portion of the cutting member, and a table insert removably disposed within the void and including a slot for passage of the cutting member. The splitter and cutting member assembly includes a cutting member guard hood for covering an operative portion of the cutting member and a splitter for passing through a workpiece kerf as the workpiece is fed past the splitter.

Abstract: A knife blade for cutting food products includes a cutting edge having a concave circular curved central portion and opposed linear end portions tangentially intersecting and extending away from opposite sides of the circular curved central portion. The shape of the cutting edge results in enhanced stability of the knife blade when slicing food products driven into the cutting edge and across the blade width.

Abstract: A unidirectional and bidirectional optical fiber couplers using polymer optical fibers having mirrors formed within the polymer optical fibers for reflecting optical signals. The mirrors comprise a notch having at least one surface angled with respect to the central axis of the optical fiber for reflecting the optical signal perpendicular to its central axis. A unidirectional embodiment allows input optical signals to be coupled from any combination of input optical fibers and transmitted into any combination of output optical fibers. A bidirectional embodiment allows optical signals from tapping fibers to be reflected in opposite directions along a first, or BUS optical fiber. Another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus and method for controlling the depth of the notch by monitoring residue power through the optical fibers while the notch is being cut.

Abstract: A tuner, such as for an electric guitar, is integrated with a connector or plug. The plug is a standard size that fits popular models of electric guitars. Thus, the tuner is mounted proximate to the instrument and is always within reach of the musician. The tuner does not require a separate cord to connect to the guitar. A preferred embodiment uses a compact display and lightweight battery. The tuner provides modes for inhibiting the sound of the instrument while tuning, or tuning while permitting sound from the instrument.

Abstract: Synthetic drumsticks for musical purposes and methods for making them. The present drumsticks are characterized by having a microcellular foamed structure. The preferred method comprises injection molding of thermoplastic materials that are saturated with gasses, particularly in their supercritical phase. The products of the injection molding process are drumsticks formed to final dimensions and ready for use. The foamed materials are preferably made from filled resins. The formation of micron-scale gas cells during the molding process yields formed drumsticks that are similar to woods or better, in feel and durability. The products of the invention further have advantages of durability, recycleability, exact matching of properties (reproducibility of manufacture), improved shock absorption, and “livelier” rebound from the drumhead thus preventing forearm fatigue in the user. The present drumsticks also provide a better/sharper “ring”, than wooden drumsticks, when used on cymbals.

Abstract: A composite keyboard musical instrument includes an acoustic grand piano, an electronic sound generating system and a silent system, and an electric motor, a hammer stopper, a link work and a controller form in combination the silent system, wherein rigid arms and rigid rods are assembled into the link work so as to promptly transmit the force from the actuator to the hammer stopper without substantial time lug.

Abstract: An interactive music system in accordance with various aspects of the invention lets a user control the playback of recorded music according to gestures entered via an input device, such as a mouse. The system includes modules which interpret input gestures made on a computer input device and adjust the playback of audio data in accordance with input gesture data. Various methods for encoding sound information in an audio data produce with meta-data indicating how it can be varied during playback are also disclosed. More specifically, a gesture input system receives user input from a device, such as a mouse, and interprets this data as one of a number of predefined gestures which are assigned an emotional or interpretive meaning according to a “character” hierarchy or library of gesture descriptions. The received gesture inputs are used to alter the character of music which is being played in accordance with the meaning of the gesture.

Abstract: An electronic device capable of receiving & transmitting digital code via a detachable cable or wireless transmission of data via an infrared port to and from a “PC”—personal computer or similar serving device.