Abstract: A golf club testing machine includes a swing arm mechanism, an upper section supporting the swing arm mechanism, a barrel section supporting the upper section in a manner such that the upper section is adjustable at a forwardly inclined angle, a base section supporting the barrel section in a manner such that the barrel section is rotatable in a horizontal plane at a constant height, and a hit assisting mechanism rotating the barrel section in a horizontal plane in unison with the swing arm mechanism.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to the calibration and quality assurance of motion tracking enabled radiation therapy machines. A phantom, capable of mimicking human breathing through inflation and deflation of the lungs, houses an independently moving target (tumor) that detects the amount of radiation received from the radiation therapy machine. This amount can be compared with a desired amount to determine if adjustment or repositioning is necessary. The servo-mechanism(s) of the motion tracking enabled radiation therapy machine(s) are adjusted in comparison of detected versus programmed motion of the respiring phantom having incorporated independently moving target that incorporated radiation dose detector(s). In the invention, motion tracking and irradiation mechanisms of the radiation therapy machine are adjusted to calibrate with reference to performance specifications of the radiation therapy machine.

Abstract: Bearing arrangement for a rotatable shaft comprising an inner bearing part for coupling to an end of the shaft, an outer bearing part for coupling to a mounting structure, and an axis of rotation, wherein at least one of the inner bearing part and the outer bearing part, at least in certain areas, possesses elastic deformability, at least in part, perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and an arrangement comprising the bearing arrangement and a shaft, as well as an oscillator comprising the latter.

Abstract: An eccentric vibrating amplitude device of a vibrator includes an eccentric unit on at least one end of an extended shaft of a reversible motor and includes a balance block located at an innermost location of the eccentric unit mounted on a shaft and an eccentric block located at the outermost location. on the shaft. The balance block and eccentric block include an eccentric round hole block and eccentric blocks for receiving the shaft. When mounted on the extended shaft of a reversible motor, the rotational angle between the balance block and the eccentric block and the torque on the motor selectively changes when the motor rotates in a positive or a negative direction. Hence there is provided a selectable or variable vibrating amplitude intensity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a linear actuator (1), comprising a drive shaft (3), a transmission (2) connected to the drive shaft (3), and a spindle (5) connected to the transmission (2). The drive shaft (3), the transmission (2) and the spindle (5) are connected in such a way that a rotational movement of the drive shaft (3) is transmitted to the spindle (5) via the transmission (2). The linear actuator further comprises a spindle nut (6) arranged rotationally prevented onto the spindle (5) such that the spindle nut (6) moves along the spindle (5) when the spindle is rotated, and an end stop detection unit (10) for detecting that the spindle nut (6) reaches an end position on the spindle (5).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coaxial multi-clutch transmission which can enhance fuel efficiency. The transmission includes a main input shaft, a first input shaft, a second input shaft, a first clutch, a second clutch, a power transmitting gear unit, an output shaft, drive gears and driven gears. The first and second input shafts have a coaxial structure and are power-connected to the main input shaft. The first clutch is provided on the first input shaft to control power connection between the main input shaft and the first input shaft. The second clutch is provided on the second input shaft to control power connection between the main input shaft and the second input shaft. The power transmitting gear unit functions to transmit power to the first clutch and the second clutch.

Abstract: A gear assembly for retrofitting a rotatable turret assembly having pre-existing mounting brackets. A gear assembly housing is cut so that it fits onto the pre-existing housing mounting brackets. An operator controlled hand crank is connected to an input shaft. The input shaft extends through the gear assembly housing and includes an input shaft gear that meshes with a drive shaft gear. The size of the drive shaft gear has been maximized so that it fits within the gear housing that has been mounted on the pre-existing mounting brackets. A drive shaft is connected to the drive shaft gear and extends through the gear housing. A sprocket is connected to the end of the drive shaft gear. The sprocket is mechanically linked to the turret assembly for controlling the rotation of the turret assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the turret assembly is mounted to a HMMWV.

Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a supporting arm, an Nth axle pivotally connected to the supporting arm, an (N+1)th axle pivotally and perpendicularly connected to the Nth axle, a first motor, a first gear transmission, a second motor, a second gear transmission and a control device. The first and second gear transmissions are multi-stage gear transmissions. The first gear transmission includes a first bevel gear coaxially aligned with and rigidly connected to the Nth axle, the second gear transmission includes a second bevel gear coaxially aligned with and rigidly connected to the (N+1)th axle. As the Nth axle rotates around the axis of the Nth axle, the (N+1)th axle rotates around the axis of the (N+1)th axle to compensate a following rotation error caused by following the rotation of the Nth axle.

Abstract: An operating device for selecting shift positions of a gear-changing transmission, for example an automatic transmission. The operating device comprises a shift operating device and a console arrangement with an operating lever and a shift position indicator device with illuminatable shift position designations. The shift position indicator device includes an electronics unit and a light-emitting device. The electronics unit and the light-emitting device are integrated into the shift operating unit. An ordered fiber-optic bundle for the selective illumination of shift position designations is disposed between the light-emitting device and shift position indicator device. The operating device enables cost savings in production and assembly by eliminating, for example, the electronic module in the region of the shift gate. Flexible, selective illumination of the illuminated symbols or shift position designations in the region of the shift gate becomes possible.

Abstract: A system for controlling a transmission includes a gear selector, a manual valve for connecting a pressure source alternately to Drive and Reverse lines in response to movement of the gear selector between selected Drive and Reverse positions, first and second solenoid-actuated valves, the first valve connecting the pressure source to a first control element, the second valve connecting the Reverse line to a second control element when the Reverse position is selected, a third solenoid-actuated valve connecting the Drive line to a third control element when the Drive position is selected, and a control valve through which pressure in the first control element is vented when the Drive position is selected.

Abstract: A rotary actuator assembly is provided for actuation of an upper arm assembly for a dexterous humanoid robot. The upper arm assembly for the humanoid robot includes a plurality of arm support frames each defining an axis. A plurality of rotary actuator assemblies are each mounted to one of the plurality of arm support frames about the respective axes. Each rotary actuator assembly includes a motor mounted about the respective axis, a gear drive rotatably connected to the motor, and a torsion spring. The torsion spring has a spring input that is rotatably connected to an output of the gear drive and a spring output that is connected to an output for the joint.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a robot actuator and a humanoid robot having the same. The robot actuator includes a rotation driving source, a ball screw member including a ball screw part connected to the rotation driving source and a nut part connected to the ball screw part, a guide member separated in parallel from the ball screw part, a slider member movably supported by the guide member, and a connection member connecting the slider member and the nut part to move the slider member in connection with movement of the nut part, and the connection member is relatively movably connected to at least one of the nut part and the slider member. Therefore, efficiency in force reflection and back-drivability of the actuator is improved.

Abstract: A robotic arm deployment apparatus is provided for a tip following robotic arm, of the type comprising a plurality of controllable segments (34) each comprising articulated links. The apparatus includes a straight guide portion (16) having a length at least equal to the length of each arm segment so that the arm control system can be calibrated as each segment passes through the guide.

Abstract: An improved robotic thumb for a robotic hand assembly is provided. According to one aspect of the disclosure, improved tendon routing in the robotic thumb provides control of four degrees of freedom with only five tendons. According to another aspect of the disclosure, one of the five degrees of freedom of a human thumb is replaced in the robotic thumb with a permanent twist in the shape of a phalange. According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a position sensor includes a magnet having two portions shaped as circle segments with different center points. The magnet provides a linearized output from a Hall effect sensor.

Abstract: A humanoid robot includes a torso, a pair of arms, two hands, a neck, and a head. The torso extends along a primary axis and presents a pair of shoulders. The pair of arms movably extend from a respective one of the pair of shoulders. Each of the arms has a plurality of arm joints. The neck movably extends from the torso along the primary axis. The neck has at least one neck joint. The head movably extends from the neck along the primary axis. The head has at least one head joint. The shoulders are canted toward one another at a shrug angle that is defined between each of the shoulders such that a workspace is defined between the shoulders.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar grip contains a plastic inner shell having a tubular shape and an outer surface; a fiber layer having an inner surface and an outer surface and includes a plurality of fibers interweaving with each other and a plurality of weaving gaps located between the fibers; a plastic layer enclosed around the outer surface of the fiber layer and combined with the fiber layer integrally and including a holding portion coated on the outer surface of the fiber layer, an engaging portion penetrating through the weaving gaps if the fiber layer, and a permeating portion extending through the weaving gaps of the fiber layer into the inner surface of the fiber layer, and the permeating portion of the plastic layer is combined with the outer surface of the plastic inner shell integrally.

Abstract: A pedal shaft for bicycles with elbow-shaped cams allows the dead centre of the pedaling motion to be cancelled out, thus resulting in more power with less exertion.

Abstract: A tantalum or tantalum alloy which contains pure or substantially pure tantalum and at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, Mo, W and Re to form a tantalum alloy that is resistant to aqueous corrosion. The invention also relates to the process of preparing the tantalum alloy.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mercury and precious metal recovery are provided. The apparatus includes a granulometric separator for separating a feed by particle size; a centrifugal concentrator in flow communication with the granulometric separator for isolating and concentrating an elemental mercury-containing fraction of the feed; and an accumulator tank for collecting elemental mercury from the elemental mercury-containing fraction. The accumulator tank has an inlet in flow communication with the centrifugal concentrator; an outlet; a plurality of baffles defining a serpentine flow path to slow the flow of the elemental mercury-containing fraction from the inlet to the outlet; and a mercury accumulation area for collecting elemental mercury settling from the elemental mercury-containing fraction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a desulfurizing agent of improved oxidation resistance, ignition resistance and productivity, and a method for manufacturing the desulfurizing agent. The desulfurizing agent may include a plurality of magnesium-aluminum alloy grains with grain boundaries, and a compound of one selected from consisting of magnesium and aluminum and one selected from consisting of alkaline metal and alkaline earth metal, the compound existing in the grain boundaries which are not inside but outside of the magnesium-aluminum alloy grains.

Abstract: Process for the production of valve metal powders, in particular niobium and tantalum powder, by reduction of corresponding valve metal oxide powders by means of vaporous reducing metals and/or hydrides thereof, preferably in the presence of an inert carrier gas, wherein the reduction is performed at a vapour partial pressure of the reducing metal/metal hydride of 5 to 110 hPa and an overall pressure of less than 1000 hPa, and tantalum powder obtainable in this way having a high stability of the powder agglomerate particles.

Abstract: A multi-function deck tool is powered by a portable electric drill to remove old deck boards and nails and install new boards. Lifting forks remove deck boards. A built-in nail puller removes nails from the deck board supporting beam. An aligning arm attachment straightens and aligns new or loose boards with nailed-in boards and holds them in place, freeing the hands of the installer to nail in the new board.

Abstract: A torque measuring flange is provided for use with a tong arrangement. The torque measuring flange includes a top plate and a bottom plate and one or more cylinders disposed between one or more wedges, whereby rotating the top plate causes the wedges to compress a piston in the cylinder.

Abstract: A multi-function tool includes an extendible and retractable portion that becomes offset from a centerline position of the handle when in the offset position. A locking mechanism allows the workman to offset the shaft from a centerline position of the handle, or retract the shaft back into the handle into a centerline position. While the shaft is in the extended and offset position, the shaft rotates freely in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When the shaft is retracted in the straight centerline position, a ratchet mechanism or gear box restricts shaft rotation in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, or allows rotation in either direction. The shaft can be extended and offset by means of a spring or other device that allows the locking mechanism to offset automatically or semi-automatically when the locking mechanism is activated. The shaft allows the workman to interchange bits or sockets for multiple applications.

Abstract: In order to avoid any unintended positive or reverse switch operation of a ratchet wrench handle A, an operation piece 9 is swingably supported by an axis in a handle head 1a; a set of operation claws 12 for positive rotation and those 13 for reverse rotation are disposed on one and the other portions of a distal end surface of said operation piece 9 that faces a rotation member 3; said operation piece 9 is also provided with a cam edge 16 recessed like an arc in the direction of said distal end surface; a pressing pin 15 is provided in a switch member 14 in such a manner that said pressing pin 15 can freely move into and out of said switch member 14, and contacts under pressure said cam edge 16 by way of a biasing force of a spring.

Abstract: A magnetic structure for a socket includes a containing body made of a soft material. The containing body has an embedding hole defined therein. A magnetic element is received in the embedding hole. The containing body has a plurality of ribs disposed around an outer periphery of the containing body. When the containing body is embedded into the socket, the rib abuts an inner wall of the socket for appropriately adjusting a compression level of the containing body with respect to the inner wall of the socket to securely couple the containing body with the socket.

Abstract: A power tong jaw comprising a jaw body having upper and lower flange sections with flange apertures formed through the upper and lower flange sections. The power tong jaw will further have a jaw roller including a pin aperture and a roller pin positioned through the pin aperture in the jaw roller and through at least one of the upper or lower jaw flange apertures. The power tong jaw will further include a flexible retaining mechanism (i) positioned between outer surfaces of the upper and lower flange and (ii) engaging the roller pin.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench has a handle, a transmitting device, a torque adjusting device and a ratchet head. The transmitting device is connected to the handle and has a barrel, a transmitting seat and a transmitting shaft. The barrel is connected to the handle and has two threaded segments and multiple elongated holes. The transmitting shaft is rotatably mounted in the barrel and has a driving disk and an eccentric rod. The torque adjusting device is connected to the transmitting device and has a casing, a limiting assembly and a spring. The casing is connected to the barrel. The limiting assembly is mounted around the transmitting shaft and has two pressing rings and a push bearing. The spring is mounted around the transmitting shaft and presses against the pressing rings to push the holding pins abutting with the holding recess. The ratchet head is connected to the transmitting device.

Abstract: A lathe machine includes a turret having a saddle movable along a longitudinal direction toward a headstock, and a turret body mounted on the saddle and movable along a transverse direction on the saddle, and a tailstock having a bottom seat movable along the longitudinal direction toward the headstock, and a tailstock body mounted movably on the bottom seat. A first coupler unit is provided to couple releasably the saddle and the bottom seat so that the bottom seat can be driven by the saddle to move along the longitudinal direction toward the headstock. A second coupler unit is provided to couple releasably the turret body and the tailstock body so that the tailstock body can be driven by the turret body to move along the transverse direction.

Abstract: A clamping device used for securing a toolholder for metal working operations includes a lock rod reciprocating along a lock rod longitudinal axis to radially activate locking balls to engage perforations within the shank of a toolholder, wherein the toolholder is oriented along a toolholder axis non parallel to the locking rod longitudinal axis. Additionally, the lock rod includes a ramp which engages a bump-off pin in a direction lateral to the motion of the lock rod to provide a mechanism for ejecting the toolholder from the clamping device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for positioning a cutting knife of a microtome or ultramicrotome equipped with motors for moving the cutting knife, the following steps being carried out: a) determining/defining at least two segments of the cutting knife according to a division of the previously defined width of the cutting knife; b) selecting a segment of the cutting knife; and c) positioning the cutting knife in an operational position by motorized movement of the cutting knife, wherein the selected segment of the cutting knife is positioned to cut the specimen.

Abstract: A die press assembly for producing punched parts from a travelling web of material, the die press comprising: a lower die shoe securing a compound punch holder plate thereon, the compound punch holder biasedly gripping a compound punch tool therein, the lower die shoe also supporting a reciprocably movable stripper holder plate, wherein the compound punch extends slideably through a biasedly gripped stripper holder tool in the stripper holder plate; an upper punch holder movable with respect to the lower die shoe, the upper punch holder having a center punch holder plate which biasedly grips a center punch tool therewithin; and a die holder plate fixedly attached to the center punch holder plate with a biasedly gripped die tool slideably enclosing the center punch, wherein each of the biasedly gripped tools are in co-axial alignment in distortable bores in their respective plates.

Abstract: A film positioner includes at least one film guide having a plurality of parallel guide bars. The guide bars are operably receptive to at least one film material strip and extend at least partially across the film positioner with axes nonparallel to a lateral extent of the film positioner. A method of changing a lateral position of at least one film material strip includes wrapping the at least one film material strip is around a first guide bar of the plurality of guide bars, thereby turning the at least one material strip to a guide angle from the flow direction. The at least one material strip is wrapped around a second guide bar of the plurality of guide bars, thereby turning the at least one material strip from the turn angle back to the flow direction at a second lateral position different from the first lateral position.

Abstract: Embodiments of a power table saw are described which have a frame structure configured to support a movable saw assembly. The table saw also includes a rip fence attached to the frame structure in a fixed position for contacting a work piece during a cutting operation by said table saw. Further, a table assembly is provided, having a top surface for supporting a work piece, a blade extendable through an opening in the top surface for cutting a work piece, and a motor mounted beneath the top surface for driving the blade. The table assembly is movably mounted on the frame structure so that the table assembly is adjustable, allowing adjustment of the distance between the blade and the rip fence.

Abstract: This invention is a work carriage used with a cutting tool's table surface to make straight-line cuts. The device responds to the need for cutting a wide range of angles and positions on workpieces of different sizes and shapes more accurately, consistently, and safely. The invention consists of a main support which rides on a slide attached to the table surface's guide slot using a wedging action to fill the width of the guide slot. Clamps hold the workpiece to the main support along a t-shaped channel. Once set up, the main support moves precisely along the slide parallel to the guide slot and cutting plane. The main support also has threaded holes to attach workpiece stops and a fence, as needed, for making, consistent cuts. A secondary support is used to provide the necessary support with a larger workpiece that has a center of mass beyond the main support.

Abstract: A power saw includes a saw assembly attached to a base assembly with a tilt mechanism for making non-vertical cuts in such a way that there is a clear path in line with the saw blade, thereby providing a miter saw, a table saw or a radial arm saw. The tilt mechanism employs a saw mount assembly that is affixed to a base assembly and that is engaged to support a saw assembly to make tilted cuts while substantially maintaining the cutting blade in the cutting axis. The saw mount assembly includes a fixed track block and a saw assembly mounting block that is engaged with arc-shaped openings in the track block to rotate about an apparent center point that is inline with the saw blade.

Abstract: The Direction of Cut Indicator is intended to be used by groundskeepers mowing the turf. It displays the direction the turf is to be cut on the day it is being cut.

Abstract: The invention is comprised of a series of dimensional scales (linear measuring device) on the top surface of a miter saw table. The scales allow for measurements to be located or obtained on the saw table relative to the saw fence and relative to the saw blade. The scales may replace the need for a hand held tape measure or ruler for measuring or marking the saw table surface when cutting crown molding or other materials. The scales could be placed on or in a saw during production by a manufacturer. The scales could be placed on or in a material to be placed on a saw during production by a manufacturer. The scales could be placed on or in a material to be placed on an existing saw.

Abstract: A mandolin includes a food deck having an adjustable first food deck and a fixed second food deck. A slide selectively engages food products as they are moved along the food deck. A parallel cutting blade is positioned between the first food deck and the second food deck, wherein the parallel cutting blade cuts food product along a plane which is substantially parallel to a plane in which an upper surface of the second food deck lies. A plurality of elongated perpendicular cutting blades mounted along the first food deck for engagement with food product prior to engagement of the food product with the parallel cutting blade, the elongated cutting blades being oriented to longitudinally extend along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the food deck and to cut the food product in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the upper surface of the first food deck lies and which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the food deck.

Abstract: A ring fixture system for rotating a ring to perform engraving work. The system comprises a vise-securable fixture base with opposing mandrels connected through spaced arms of the fixture base at a ring-engraving location between the arms to form a mandrel assembly. The mandrels are provided with sets of detents with different degrees of rotational spacing, and the detents on one mandrel of the mandrel assembly can be engaged independently of the other set of detents on the other mandrel. The fixture base further includes a tool-supporting bridge connected between the fixture arms above the ring-engraving location to hold an engraving tool orthogonally to the ring axis, and may further include a sliding tool support on the bridge. Also, a method is disclosed for engraving a ring using the ring fixture system with the detents and tool-supporting bridge.

Abstract: A musical recording and playback device is disclosed herein comprising: a flexible plastic bag enclosure serving as a isolator; an electronic integrated circuit for storing a pre-programmed recorded message; at least one speaker for audibly emitting the pre-programmed recorded message to at least one honored recipient; a portable DC power source; a start button acting as an on/off switch for turning the device on to play a message and/or song. The flexible enclosure isolatably contains the generally planar electronic integrated circuit, the speaker, and the portable DC power source assembly. The musical recording and playback device is associated with a festive cake comestible. A kit for use with the cake and method of use is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An aspect of the system relates to an intonation control mechanism for controlling, for example, the pitch of a plucked or vibrated string of a stringed instrument through a string contact point located at an appropriate intonation harmonic.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contrabass guitar which oscillates the pitch of the guitar by the use of torsion. The strings of the guitar are adjusted by use of a torsion control means connected to a foot pedal to allow a player to easily adjust the pitch of the guitar while playing. The contrabass guitar includes a floating bridge and a stationary torsion block with a plurality of helically twisted tuning control rods attached. The floating bridge contains a plurality of pitch tuning cylinders connected on one end to respective strings and on the other to the tuning rods. The floating bridge moves along the body of the guitar in response to the torsion control means causing the tuning cylinders to slide over the tuning control rods and to rotate according to the twists of the rods creating greater or lesser torsion uniformly in the strings.

Abstract: A pick and method for obtaining a bright sound from a strummed instrument and in particular a guitar, the pick having a plurality of points about its rounded perimeter arranged in a uniform series to form a serrated edge, which points are sized and spaced so that a plurality of points substantially simultaneously engage a string when strummed, producing a bright chorus sound.

Abstract: The finger-mounted striking devices described herein are for use on stringed musical instruments, in particular for but not limited to electric or acoustic bass instruments. The paired devices consist of elongated cylindrical wooden shafts of differing length. The offset in length allows the striking tips to be effectively even when worn as intended on the index and middle fingers. The striking tip of each shaft contains a permanently embedded weight to accelerate the transfer of finger movement to the shaft tip. The mechanism for attaching the elongated shaft to each finger is an adjustable metal ring permanently attached to the shaft end opposite the striking tip. An upward-sloped fingertip rest is provided forward of the ring. The entire body of each elongated shaft and the integral metal ring are encased in an elastomeric coating that prevents scratching of the instrument surface during use by the devices and seals the metal ring against corrosion from moisture.

Abstract: A drum pedal assembly includes a frame, multiple bearings, an axle, a drum hammer, a base plate, an extender, a pedal and a transmission element. The frame includes two parallel upright supportive racks and a base. An end of the base plate is pivoted to the base, and the base plate also has a sliding groove disposed along its lengthy direction. The sliding groove has an open end away from the base. The extender is plate-shaped and is slidably inserted in the sliding groove. The pedal has a first end and a second end. The first end pivots to a distal end of the extender by a pivot means. The transmission element is disposed between the second end of the pedal and the axle. The axle and the drum hammer are driven to rotate by the transmission element to rotate as the second end of the pedal pivots.

Abstract: A drum comprises a drum body made of at least one fiber layer. The drum body is provided with a drumhead at each of two opposite ends thereof. The drumheads are positioned on two reinforced frames disposed at both ends of the drum body by two drum hoops, so that the contact area between the drumheads and the drum body can be reduced through the reinforced frames. In addition, the reinforced frames reinforce the structure and maintain the shape of the drum body. Plural positioning screws are inserted through the periphery of the respective drum hoops, and the drum body is provided with plural fixing members to be screwed with the positioning screws. By such arrangements, the drum not only has the advantages of reinforced structure, light weight and easy production but exert a better resonance effect, making the sound produced by the drum more robust and powerful.

Abstract: A drum stick accessory includes a pair of support members defining a parting plane and an elongate channel defined by elongated substantially parallel recesses on opposing sides of the parting plain. Closed resilient loops draw the support members together to minimize the channel cross-sectional dimensions. Restoring forces in the loops tend to revert the support members to the contracted condition. Insertion of a drum stick into the elongate channel separates the members and moves them from the contracted condition to an expanded condition against the action of the loops and the accessory can be reliably frictionally retained on the shaft of the drum stick due to restoring forces urging the support members against the drumstick. Hitting the drum stick as a percussion instrument provides additional sounds produced, for example, by steel shot within compartments formed in the supporting members or jingles attached thereto.

Abstract: A tempo detecting device 100 includes an envelope detecting means 1 that detects an envelope of musical composition data, a frequency-component detecting means 2 that performs a discrete Fast Fourier Transform processing on the detected envelope to thereby detect a frequency spectrum, and a tempo detecting means 3 that detects, based on a characteristic of the detected frequency spectrum, a tempo of the musical composition data.

Abstract: Given a polyphonic pickup system based on either magnets or piezo's with one signal per string of a given multi-stringed musical instrument, switches then transfer the signal from either of a plurality of positions to a plurality of output signals, which can then be processed through different series of effects, making it sound like there are a plurality of instruments using only one.