Abstract: There is provided a groove machining tool supported in a holder and caused to move together with the holder in relative fashion along a scheduled scribe line over an integrated thin-film solar cell substrate to form a groove. The groove machining tool includes a tool body supported in the holder, and a blade tip part formed in a distal part of the tool body. The blade tip part includes a blade extending along a direction intersecting a direction of movement of the tool, at a first end along the direction of movement of the tool. The blade is tilted backward from the direction of movement of the tool in relation to a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the groove tool, as viewed from a bottom face of the blade tip part.

Abstract: A pitch adjustment device for selectively adjusting the pitch of the string(s) of a stringed musical instrument. Each string of the instrument is attached to a respective pitch adjustment device. Each pitch adjustment device comprises a pivotable string puller wherein pivoting of the string puller adjusts the pitch on the string. A pulley is rotatably mounted to the string puller such that movement of the pulley causes the string puller to pivot. A cable is wrapped around the pulley and has a first side extending from one side of the pulley and a second side extending form the other side of the pulley. A plurality of actuators are operably coupled to the first and second sides of the cable. The actuators move the cable, which moves the pulley, which in turn pivots the string puller, thereby adjusting the pitch of the string. Alternatively, the cable and pulley may be replaced by a mechanism of levers and pull rods.

Abstract: A triangle musical instrument that may be played using a single hand. The triangle is formed such that a percussionist is able to grasp the triangle in one hand and shake it in a back-and-forth motion to produce the familiar triangle musical instrument sound. Openings formed in the sides of the instrument allow the percussionist to mute the sounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device which is designed to improve the accoustics of a drum. The device has two halves, and it attaches about a hole formed in the drum head. One or both halves have portions which can be flared to a variety of degrees, e.g., 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 360 degrees or more.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tuning system for tuning a hand percussion instrument having a head and a shell. The tuning system comprises a rim, the rim secured to the head of the instrument, the rim comprising at least one receptacle, the receptacle positioned at outer periphery of the rim such that the receptacle body is below the plane of the rim, a side plate assembly, the side plate assembly secured to the shell of the instrument, a tuning rod, the tuning rod having a first end secured to the receptacle for varying the tension on the head, and the tuning rod having a second end secured to the side plate assembly.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting musical instruments comprises a base, a bearing, the bearing secured to the base, a post, the post comprising a head, the head comprising a plurality of mounting flanges for mounting a musical instrument, and a body, the body fixedly connected to head at a first end, the body further rotatably engaged to the bearing at a second end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple, in particular two-fold, releasable clutch (5), which can be closed via an intermediate position without a drummer having to use a foot. The clutch (5) is connected with at least an upper cymbal and further is formed with at least a first lever (1) and a second lever (2). A releasing of the first lever (1) causes a falling of the clutch (5) into an intermediate position, in which the upper cymbal (9) and a lower cymbal (10) are arranged in a half-closed position. By actuating the second lever (2), the clutch (5) can be arranged in an end position, wherein in the end position the upper cymbal (9) and the lower cymbal (10) are in a closed state.

Abstract: An equipment support stand comprises an upright member having an upper shaft, a lower shaft having an engaging structure located thereon, and an adjusting clutch connecting the upper shaft and the lower shaft. The stand also comprises means for locating equipment on an upper end of the upper shaft and a base assembly located on a lower end of the lower shaft. The base assembly comprises a support housing and receiving structure for cooperating with the engaging structure located on the lower shaft. The receiving structure is copperative with the engaging structure on the lower shaft to prevent the rotation of the lower shaft relative to the base assembly.

Abstract: A musical learning aid that help users learn and understand how musical pieces are composed. The present invention is able to help users understand how scales and chords are constructed. Additionally, the present invention can teach users which chords naturally lead to other notes allowing users to learn how to compose their own musical pieces.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning, on an electronic display, an additional musical symbol based on the location of one or more existing musical symbols can include determining one or more positional constraints on the additional musical symbol. The one or more positional constraints can include one or more preferred quantities. Each of the one or more positional constraints can be automatically defined as being either a time-based positional constraint or a space-based positional constraint. The additional symbol can be positioned in a measure of a staff at a distance away from one of the one or more existing musical symbols. The distance can be at least in part determined by at least one of the one or more preferred quantities.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for detecting a pitch period of an input signal, the method including: generating division frames by dividing the input signal by a unit of a first predetermined number of samples at a time domain; detecting a reference sample which has a peak value in each division frame; generating extraction frames by extracting a second predetermined number of samples on the basis of the reference sample of each division frame; and detecting the pitch period of the input signal based on a similarity among the extraction frames.

Abstract: A musical instrument that can play notes and scale tones without physically touching the device. Microprocessor control, and its associated DSP functionality, permits designer and performer to determine fine musical characteristics and virtual fret positions resulting in a pleasant and playable digital Theremin. Control over key, scale, octave, slew, snap and other characteristics are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for artificially aging a musical instrument is provided. The apparatus and method include oscillating the sound board of the instrument by an energy source at specific frequencies over the playing frequency range of the instrument.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for multi-touch sensing is capable of detecting multiple musical instrument inputs and gestures. For example, a hand drummer may play with multiple fingers on one hand while using the heel of the palm of the other hand to slide across the drumming surface increasing the force on the head and modify the pitch of the drum. The method and apparatus for multi-touch sensing simulates conventional drum playing surfaces using multi-entry input and enables the gestural features of conventional drum playing surfaces.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a cover, a base facing and contacting the cover, at least one key, and a micro-electro-mechanical sensor (MEMS) module. The base and the cover define a space for receiving the MEMS module. The at least one key is movably formed on the cover. The MEMS module is sandwiched between the base and the cover and includes a bag, a connecting tube, and a sensor. The bag is resisted with the at least one key. The connecting tube is connected to the bag at one end and communicates with the bag. The sensor is connected to the other end of the connecting tube and communicated with the bag via the connecting tube to generate pressure signals according to a pressure from the key to the bag.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic egress system includes an air encapsulation member which at least partially surrounds a charge holder which contains an explosive cord.

Abstract: Device for launching missiles from a ship, includes at least one missile launch ramp, includes a ditch delimited by side walls of which at least two constitute bulwarks which extend around the periphery of the ship, the ditch being open above the exterior deck of the ship, in that the launch ramp is positioned in the ditch so it can be used to launch a missile over a lateral bulwark of the ditch extending around the periphery of the ship. It includes an element for discharging the missile propulsion gases including a duct opening onto an orifice in a lateral bulwark of the ditch extending around the periphery of the ship, and the lateral bulwarks of the ditch are of a height tailored to conceal the missiles in place on the ramp, for angles of incidence of between 0 and ?5° with respect to the deck of the ship.

Abstract: An assembly for use in a shield includes a protective panel, protective panel securing hardware and an adjustable mount. The protective panel is ballistic-resistant and/or blast resistant. The protective panel securing hardware secures the protective panel to the adjustable mount and to extend in an upwards direction from the adjustable mount. The adjustable mount is structured and sized to be securable on top of shield bases having a plurality of alternative geometries.

Abstract: Up-armoring structure for protecting a selected surface including (a) a foundation layer formed of a chemically curable, elastomeric, urethane-based material applied to that surface, (b) a core layer of hardened armoring material embedded, at least partially, in the foundation layer, and (c) a coating overlayer of a chemically curable, elastomeric material which covers the core layer, and which is bonded molecularly to the foundation layer. The method of the invention includes (a) applying a chemically curable, elastomeric foundation layer to a surface which is to be armor protected, (b) embedding a core layer of hardened armoring material at least partially in the foundation layer, (c) creating over the core layer an overlayer of chemically curable, elastomeric material, and (d) molecularly bonding the coating layer to the foundation layer.

Abstract: A ballistic-resistant panel in which the entire panel or a strike-face portion thereof is formed of a plurality of sheets of high modulus high molecular weight polyethylene tape. The sheets of high modulus polyethylene tape can be in the form of cross-plied laminated layers of tape strips or a woven fabric of tape strips. The strips of UHMWPE tape include a width of at least one inch and a modulus of greater than 1400 grams per denier. The ballistic-resistant panel may include a backing layer of conventional high modulus fibers embedded in resin. A wide variety of adhesives were found acceptable for bonding the cross-plied layers of high modulus polyethylene tape together for forming the ballistic-resistant panels of the present invention.

Abstract: A protective armor product comprised of a panel which defines the interior and perimeter profile of the protective armor product. The panel is comprised of a stiff fibrous boardstock material with one or more layers of fibrous felted material of densified needlepunched construction. The fibrous felted material is comprised of a plurality of entangled polymeric fibers where at least a portion of the entangled polymeric fibers are melt fused together such that a plurality of fiber to fiber fusion bonding points are distributed within the fibrous felted material. The stiff fibrous boardstock material is formed into the panels to make the protective armor product.

Abstract: A ballistic wall panel device and system is disclosed. The ballistic wall panel device is adapted to contain ballistic media, which may include hardened metal particles. The ballistic wall panel device is capable of absorbing impact from various types of ammunition, destroying such ammunition upon impact, and withstanding multiple ammunition firings in a single location on the device. The ballistic wall panel device and system may be useful in a variety of settings, particularly where there may be a need or desire to protect individuals or valuables from weapons fire exposure, including but not limited to safe rooms, safe houses, embassies, shoot houses (such as those used by police and military personnel for live fire training), banks, post offices, gas stations, convenience stores, pay counters, various government agency buildings and facilities, and the like.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to hull have a geometric shape where a first wall, second wall, and third wall are designed to mitigate the effects of an explosion. In an exemplary embodiment, the hull may have a double-vertex shape.

Abstract: In some example, the disclosure provides armor assembly designs utilizing multiple solid armor plates and one or more coupling elements, such as, e.g., high-strength ropes, to couple the solid armor plates to each other. For example, the solid armor plates may be attached to one another and held in position via high-strength ropes for form a discontinuous armor layer. The armor assemblies may include multiple layer arrangements of the solid armor plates that provide substantially complete coverage of a surface when the multiple discontinuous layers are combined. Ropes or other coupling elements may be used to horizontally connect plates together within the same discontinuous layer of armor plates and ropes may also be used to vertically connect plates in different armor layers. In some example, the armor assembly may be highly flexible and breathable to provide body armor that may be comfortably worn. In some examples, armor assemblies may be adapted for use as vehicle armor or other armor applications.

Abstract: A method and a portable inhibitor which will focus a blast from an improvised explosive device aboard a pressurized aircraft in flight by using current Federal Aviation Administration least risk bomb location (LRBL) procedures. The portable LRBL is created using a collection of inflatable cubes which interlock with one another. The cubes are made from a resilient inner bladder which is filled with halon gas or other such fire retardant gas. The outer shell is made from ballistic material such as Kevlar. The portable LRBL is stored in a deflated mode. In order for the device to be used, it must be inflated. Once inflated, the cubes will be assembled and placed at a pre-determined position on the aircraft. This location will vary depending on the type and manufacturer of the aircraft. Once the cubes are connected and stacked, the structure will provide multi layered protection to the aircraft and passengers.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is: the use for a transparent bullet-proof and/or splinter-proof laminate, of which at least part of the thickness consists of a mosaic comprising at least two transparent constituent elements, in order to limit deterioration of the laminate beyond one of said at least two constituent elements that receive an impact; such a laminate with dimensions greater than those that are the maximum possible for a plate of monocrystalline sapphire, of which at least part of the thickness consists of an at least partly transparent mosaic, and of which at least one of its outer faces consists of a continuous transparent sheet; glazing for a building or transport vehicle comprising this laminate.

Abstract: The method serves for adjusting a positioning of a longitudinal axis of a weapon barrel. An adjusting angle of the weapon barrel is changeable by at least one adjusting element. The weapon barrel is arranged so as to be movable relative to a weapon support in the direction of the longitudinal axis. A positioning of the weapon barrel relative to the weapon support is determined by measurement technology. The measurement values obtained as a result are supplied to a control device. The control device acts on the adjusting element in accordance with a predetermined functional relationship between the obtained measurement values and an input value for the adjusting element. The device for firing shell s is constructed for use of the respective method.

Abstract: A device for delaying a recoil action of a recoil system of a weapon intended to fire projectiles out from a barrel. The device includes a housing removably mountable onto the recoil system, a rod being movable along opposite first and second directions in response to a corresponding movement of the piston end of the recoil system, and a damping assembly contained in the housing and cooperating with a distal extremity of the rod. When in use, the damping assembly provides a damping effect to the distal extremity when the rod is moved along the first direction, the damping effect being configured so that the recoil action of the recoil system is delayed by a time corresponding substantially to a time of travel of a projectile inside the barrel of the weapon before being fired out of said barrel, for improving firing accuracy and other parameters of the weapon.

Abstract: A trigger assembly for a trigger housing for an M240 Assault Rifle is provided having a switch accessible at the outside of the trigger housing for changing the firing of the rifle between semi-automatic and fully-automatic fire.

Abstract: A bolt assembly for a rifle is configured for recoil blowback operation and cooperation with a round of ammunition dispensed from a magazine into a firing chamber of the rifle. An extractor disposed in a lower, forward portion of the bolt assembly and an ejector disposed in an upper, forward portion of the bolt assembly further cooperate with the round of ammunition to extract a spent cartridge of the round of ammunition from the firing chamber and eject the spent cartridge downward from the firing chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting large caliber guns with a laser emitter is disclosed. The laser emitter mounting system includes an elongated tubular member for insertion into a gun chamber. The elongated tubular member is compressively secured within the gun bore. A mounting surface for a laser emitter and a breech assembly detachably engaged with the elongated tubular member by an anti-roll plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a feedback control device for controlling the stroke of an actuator stroke driven by a working fluid. The feedback control device for controlling the stroke correctly controls the stroke using a simple means by compensating secular changes in the flow rate control valve that controls the working fluid. The device for controlling the stroke of an actuator 110 is provided with a single flow rate control valve 1 for controlling the feed and discharge of the working fluid, and the flow rate control valve is operated to control the stroke by feedback. The flow rate control valve 1 has a neutral position where the working fluid is neither fed nor discharged, and a flow rate control valve control device 9 is provided with a learning device 91 for learning variations in the neutral position. The feedback control is executed, i.e.

Abstract: A spool for a servovalve. The spool includes a first end land and a second end land. The spool includes an intermediate land having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The intermediate land is positioned between the first end land and the second end land in a spaced-apart, axially aligned relationship such that a first annular space is defined between the first end land and the first side of the intermediate land and a second annular space is defined between the second end land and the second side of the intermediate land. The intermediate land further includes at least one fluid passageway formed in and extending through the intermediate land from the first side to the second side to establish fluid communication between the first annular space and the second annular space to provide a fluid pressure feedback between the first and second annular spaces.

Abstract: A piston assembly (10) comprises a fluid actuated piston (14) mounted within a cylinder (12), and a fluid actuated locking mechanism (16) mounted within the cylinder (12) for selectively locking the piston (14) relative to the cylinder (12). In one arrangement, the piston (14) and locking mechanism (16) are actuated by fluid supplied via a common fluid port (48).

Abstract: A pump including a pressure compensated piston is disclosed. In some embodiments, the pump includes a piston with an annular body and an annular sealing element disposed radially outward of the annular body. The annular body has a radially-facing outer surface adjacent an inner surface of the sealing element and an axially-facing surface with an inlet port. A flowpath extends between the inlet port and the radially-facing outer surface of the annular body.

Abstract: A piston for an automatic transmission includes a cylindrical portion formed of a steel material and an elastomer bonded thereto. The elastomer includes an ethylene-acrylic polymer, a filler, and a hexamethylene diamine curing agent. The elastomer is compression or injection molded to the metal cylindrical portion. During the molding step, the elastomer is cured and achieves a cross-link density, strength, and other physical properties sufficient for use in an automatic transmission. Thus, the piston is formed without a post curing step. The piston provides a lower wear rate and a higher life expectancy than pistons formed with a post curing step.

Abstract: An assembled two-part piston, comprising: a piston upper part and a piston lower part, wherein a screw thread connects the piston upper part to the piston lower part.

Abstract: Method and device for degassing a liquid of a substantially closed liquid circulation system at a working pressure. The method comprises passing at least a partial flow of the liquid through a restriction into a chamber in which a degassing pressure is maintained, the degassing pressure being higher than atmospheric pressure and lower than the working pressure, separating gas withdrawn from the partial flow of liquid from the partial flow, removing the gas from the chamber, and pumping the degassed partial flow of the liquid back into the substantially closed circulation system. The restriction comprises a nozzle, and the step of passing at least the partial flow of the liquid through the restriction into the chamber comprises spraying at least the partial flow of the liquid through the nozzle into the chamber for obtaining a jet and/or mist of the liquid in the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid nano sorbent that is capable of reducing and/or removing acidic gases in a gas stream. The hybrid nano sorbent includes at least (i) a nano-structured carbonous material including at least one organic functional group, (ii) at least one metal from at least one of groups 2A, 6B, 7B, 9B or 10B of the periodic table of elements, or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). The method for reducing and/or removing the acidic gases in a stream is also described.

Abstract: A gas processing facility for the separation of fluids is provided. The facility includes co-current contactors placed in series. Each co-current contactor receives a gas stream that includes a non-absorbing gas such as a hydrocarbon gas or nitrogen. The gas stream also includes an acid gas or other contaminant. Each co-current contactor also receives a liquid solvent stream. The co-current contactors then each release a sweetened gas stream and a gas-treating solution. In one processing direction, the contactors are arranged to deliver progressively sweetened gas streams. In the opposite processing direction, the contactors are arranged to deliver progressively richer gas-treating solutions. In one aspect, the facility includes at least a first co-current contactor, a second co-current contactor and a final co-current contactor. However, any number of at least two co-current separators may be employed. Methods and processes for separating a gas stream are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering a solvent from a decarbonated flue gas in an absorption column, the decarbonated flue gas having had carbon dioxide absorbed and removed by vapor-liquid contact with a carbon dioxide absorbing solution containing the solvent. The system includes an emission control section configured to bring a water stream substantially free of the solvent into contact with the decarbonated flue gas to recover the solvent from the decarbonated flue gas and to form a solvent containing wash water and a reduced solvent containing flue gas and a flue gas cooling section configured to bring cooled wash water into contact with the reduced solvent containing flue gas to cool the reduced solvent containing flue gas and condense water from the decarbonated flue gas thereby forming a cooled flue gas and used wash water.

Abstract: A three phase separator or settling device (2) or a digester (1) including the settling device. The settling device can receive a fluid containing liquid, gas and particulate material. The settling device includes a settling chamber to be filled with this fluid. The device can also include a liquid-discharge (5) for discharging liquid from the settling chamber and fitted close to the liquid level (30), a fluid inlet (6) for supplying the fluid into the settling chamber (3), a particulate material separation device (7) and a sludge outlet (8). A flow of fluid is provided into and out of the settling device and settling chamber. The inlet includes a gas separation device (4) for separating gas from the fluid including channels, the inlet positioned close to the fluid level. The inlet and transition (75) into the settling chamber is arranged to create a pre-separated flow pattern including a generally laminar liquid flow.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a filter-holding object that allows air permeable filters to be peeled from a carrier tape in a satisfactory manner without increasing a tension applied to the carrier tape. A filter-holding object (1) includes: a carrier tape (2) extending in a specified direction; and a plurality of air permeable filters (3) held on the carrier tape (2) so as to be arranged in the specified direction. The air permeable filters (3) are shaped so that an end portion of each of the air permeable filters (3) on one side of the specified direction is sharpened toward the one side of the specified direction at an angle of 90 degrees or more. Preferably, the end portion of each of the air permeable filters (3) on the one side of the specified direction is sharpened at an angle of 135 degrees or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to measure permeation of a gas through a membrane. The membrane is mounted on a flange with two sealing areas. The region between the sealing areas defines an annular space. The annular space is swept with a gas in order to carry away any of the permeating gas which may leak through the sealing areas.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electret filter element includes preparing fibers and producing, by a spray device, a spray mist of fluid droplets which include an electrical charge formed by an electric field between detaching fluid droplets and a counter-electrode. The fibers are passed through the spray mist so as to wet the fibers with the fluid droplets. The fibers are laid down to form a fibrous layer.

Abstract: A fuel vapour storage canister, e.g. a carbon canister for use in an automobiles evaporative fuel vapour emissions control system is described. The canister comprises a housing defining an inner wall and an outer wall; a first fuel vapour storage compartment arranged within a volume defined by the inner wall; and a second fuel vapour storage compartment in fluid communication with the first vapour storage compartment via an air-flow channel, wherein the air-flow channel includes a section arranged to pass between the inner and outer walls of the housing and to provide a heat-exchange function. Thus air cooled by endothermic desorption in the second fuel vapour compartment during canister purging may be warmed by the ambient air (or other thermal-mass) surrounding the outer wall before it reaches the first fuel vapour compartment, thus providing for more efficient desorption in the first fuel vapour compartment.

Abstract: A beverage or liquid food machine has: a user-interface with a toggle-switch having a user-movable toggle switch member; and a control unit arranged for carrying out one or more operational processes of such machine. The control unit is arranged to store a plurality of values for a parameter of such an operational process. The user-interface is connected to the control unit and is arranged to allow a user-selection of one value from the stored values for the control unit to carry out the corresponding operational process with this selected value as such a parameter. The toggle-switch member is movable into a plurality of distinct selection positions for selecting the values of this plurality of values, with each value being associated with a corresponding distinct selection position of the toggle-switch member.

Abstract: A delivering system for infusion-type beverages is described, including at least one water heating unit and at least one beverage infusion and delivering unit. The heating unit includes at least one first water supply line, at least one circuit for heating and recirculating hot water and at least one second supply line for heated water from the circuit for heating and recirculating hot water to the beverage infusion and delivering unit.

Abstract: A heat chamber for machines for infusions and the like, particularly for heating water for preparing espresso coffee comprising a main body constituted by one or more parts, made of a heat-conducting material and provided with at least one first portion which is associated with heating elements and is interposed between at least two second end portions of the main body, at least two faces of the first portion, each of which adjoins at least one of the second end portions, there are at least two mutually connected channels for the internal flow of water.

Abstract: An adapter for a single-serve beverage machine configured for brewing coffee through a beverage unit, particularly an at least partially plastic unit with integral filter such as a K-cup®, is disclosed. The adapter includes a housing forming an aperture. The housing has upper and lower portions with a screen spanning across the aperture at a transition of the upper and lower portions such that the upper portion and the screen form a well. The housing includes an outer surface adapted to mate with the single-serve beverage machine such that the single-serve beverage machine may be utilized with a coffee-filled paper pod resting in the well instead of the at least partially plastic unit with integral filter. Also disclosed are kits, systems, and methods associated with the adapter, for example a method of adapting a machine from use one type of beverage unit to use with a coffee-filled paper pod.