Abstract: A double clutch transmission of a motor vehicle with a first input shaft (W1) formed as a hollow shaft and a longer, second input shaft (W2) arranged coaxially inside the first input shaft (W1). Each of input shaft is in driving connection, by way of an associated input constant (EK1, EK2), with at least one countershaft (W3a, W3b) arranged axis-parallel to the first and the second input shafts (W1, W2). To avoid jamming of the gearteeth (4, 5a, 5b; 6, 7a, 7b) of the respective, non-load-transmitting input constant (EK1, EK2), the fixed wheel (6), arranged on the associated input shaft (W2) in at least one of the input constants, is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner by first carrier gearteeth (19) on a support sleeve (20) which, in turn, is connected in a rotationally fixed manner by second carrier gearteeth (21, 21?) to the input shaft (W2) concerned.

Abstract: A transmission for motorcycle which has an input shaft (5), an output shaft (6), a plurality of speed change input gears, and a plurality of speed change output gears, and performs shifting by a shift mechanism is provided. The speed change input gears are fixed to one of the input shaft (5) and the output shaft (6), e.g., the input shaft (5), in the axial direction and about the axis, the speed change output gears fixed to the output shaft (6) in the axial direction and are fitted to be rotatable about the axis, and a plurality of slider rings (51, 52, 53) for dog-coupling are fixed to the other shaft about the axis and are provided to be slidable in the axial direction. An engaging hole (54) is formed in the slider rings (51, 52, 53), and the speed change gears on the other shaft are formed with an engaging projection (56) which can engage with the engaging hole (54) by the movement of the slider rings (51, 52, 53) in the axial direction.

Abstract: In a transmission for a saddle type vehicle wherein a shift position sensor for detecting the angular position of a shift drum has a sensor shaft disposed coaxially with the shift drum and wherein an engaging pin disposed along a plane orthogonal to the center axis of the sensor shaft and inserted and passed through and fixed to the sensor shaft is engaged with an engagement groove provided at one axial end of the shift drum, to restrain abrasion or torsion from occurring between the engagement groove and the engaging pin even if a radial load is exerted on the shift drum at the time of a shift change and thereby to promise enhanced durability. The longitudinal direction of the engagement groove is set in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the greatest one of radial loads on the shift drum is exerted.

Abstract: A vehicle having a power generating device and a power transfer device. The power transfer device includes a plurality of gears in a housing within which the plurality of gears rotate. The plurality of gears include a first gear and a second gear, the first gear meshing with the second gear. The housing has a lubrication passage. The housing also has a lubrication slot and/or a spray nozzle in fluid communication with the lubrication passage. The lubrication slot and/or spray nozzle direct the fluid flowing therethrough toward where the first gear and second gear mesh.

Abstract: A pluggable mechanism, disposed between a bearing board and a to-be-inserted board, includes: a gear wrench hinged on the bearing board, where the gear wrench comprises a handle and a drive tooth part; and a swing gear, hinged on the bearing board and connected to the to-be-inserted board, where the swing gear comprises a gearing tooth part meshing with the drive tooth part, and the to-be-inserted board moves with the move of the swing gear. A production board including the above pluggable mechanism is also disclosed. A subrack including the above production board is also disclosed. The pluggable mechanism has a simple structure, high reliability, good operability, no occupation of vertical space, and small motion resistance, and is suitable for board plugging requiring great force for inserting and removing.

Abstract: A transmission device for a scanner includes a driving member, two worms, two rollers, and two worm wheels. The driving member is disposed on a housing base, and includes a main body and an output shaft. The output shaft has two ends disposed respectively at two opposite sides of the main body. The worms are connected respectively and fixedly to the two ends of the output shaft. The rollers are disposed rotatably on the housing base. The worm wheels are connected respectively and fixedly to the rollers, and mesh respectively with the worms.

Abstract: A ball return channel of a ball screw is formed within a nut and a ring-shaped non-contact seal is arranged at the axial both ends of the nut. A suction hole radially penetrating the nut is formed within the range of a raceway (a rolling channel formed by a spiral groove of the nut and a spiral groove of the screw shaft). This guarantees not to emit dust produced inside the nut, and attains dust reduction effect higher than that of the conventional ball screw.

Abstract: This safety system includes: a toothed wheel, connected rotationally with respect to at least one rotating member to be braked, a worm driven rotationally by a motor upon rotation of the rotating member and permanently in mesh with the toothed wheel, a housing forming: a longitudinal wall located on the side of the worm diametrically opposed to the toothed wheel, and extending along the worm at a distance of the latter ranging between 0.001 and 0.01 times the diameter of the worm, and a first end wall integral with the longitudinal wall, located opposite a first longitudinal end of the worm; and energy absorption/dissipation elements interposed between the first end wall and the first longitudinal end of the worm, the worm being slidingly mounted in the housing such that the first longitudinal end of the worm comes closer to the first end wall when the worm slides in the housing.

Abstract: A power generating device and a power transfer device. The power transfer device is coupled to the power generating device. The power transfer device includes at least one rotating component having an opening through which an axis runs. The rotating component is rotatable about the axis. The rotating component has an engaging feature facing the axis. A plug is positioned in the opening with a hole through the plug.

Abstract: A force multiplying linkage comprising a first linkage connector, a second linkage connector, a first force output member, a second force output member, the first end pivotably attached to the linkage end of the second linkage connector. The first force output member comprises a first link and a second link. A first end of the first link is attached a second end of the second force output member, a second end of the first link is pivotably attached to a first end of the second link, a second end of the second link is pivotably attached to the second linkage connector. A first stop affixed to the second link, wherein the first stop limits an angle theta when the first stop rests against the second end of the first link, and a first travel limiter interacting with the second link.

Abstract: First and second parallel link mechanisms 36, 38 are connected via a short link 35 arranged on a rotational angle transmission mechanism 29 so that a rotation applied to the first parallel link mechanism 36 is transmitted to the second parallel link mechanism 38 via the rotational angle transmission mechanism 29. The rotational angle transmission mechanism 29, the second parallel link mechanism 38 and the driven side link of the first parallel link mechanism 36 are horizontally supported by the drive side link 30 of the first parallel link mechanism 36. The rotational angle transmission mechanism 29 transmits the rotational angle applied to the drive side link 30 of the first parallel link mechanism 36 to the drive side link 32 of the second parallel link mechanism 38 supported by the drive side link 30 via the guide means that is parallel to the short link 35.

Abstract: The present invention provides construction that keeps the load required for a locking capsule 50d that is supported by the steering column to come out in the forward direction from a locking hole 48b that is formed in a fastening bracket 11e on the vehicle side low. Small through holes 52e are formed in a flange section 51d of the locking capsule 50d. Small notch sections 62a that are each open toward the inside of the locking hole 48b are formed in portions of the fastening bracket 11e on the vehicle side around the locking hole 48b that are aligned with each of the small through holes 52e. Injection molding is performed to inject synthetic resin 72 such that the synthetic resin 72 spans between these small through holes 48b and small notch sections 62a, and connects the locking capsule 50d and the fastening bracket 11e on the vehicle side.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering system and a method for producing the same including a pinion, a toothed rack, and a bearing point for the toothed rack, wherein the toothed rack includes a toothed first part and a non-toothed second part, wherein at least the first part and the pinion form a steering gear, and the steering gear is enclosed by a steering gear housing, and wherein the bearing point is enclosed by a bearing housing ensuring permanent lubrication. The second part of the toothed rack is exposed in at least one section between the steering gear housing and the bearing housing.

Abstract: A braking handlebar for a bicycle includes a combining device, one end thereof being axially mounted to a handle; a braking handlebar, having a pressing section, a pivoting section and an accommodating section, wherein the pivoting section is pivotally connected to one end of the combining device opposite to the handle, and the accommodating section is in parallel to an axial direction of the handle; and a screw adjusting element, movable mounted to the accommodating section of the braking handlebar and connected to one end of a braking cable; wherein the braking cable is loosened or tightened by using the screw adjusting element. Since the screw adjusting element offers the function of being able to rotate, the braking cable can be prevented from being bent excessively, further from generating friction which may results in brake failure.

Abstract: A clamp has a handle assembly, a gripping assembly having a pair of jaws that can be opened and closed to grip an element, and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly has a flexible shaft having a proximal end that is operatively coupled to the handle assembly and a distal end that is operatively coupled to the gripping assembly. The shaft assembly also has a rigid element that can be placed in a first position where the rigid element supports the shaft in a manner where the shaft cannot be bent, and in a second position where the shaft can be bent.

Abstract: A braking device with a hidden hydraulic cylinder has a hydraulic cylinder hidden inside a body of the braking device and further protected by a casing made of plastics, rubber or light alloy. Thereby, the space can be saved and any leakage due to unexpected collision. A tube is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder at any angle, preventing any wear or breaks due to frequent use. Therefore, the braking device of this invention is particularly suitable to the road bicycle.

Abstract: The electronic clutch pedal assembly includes a housing bracket for mounting the pedal assembly to the vehicle, a pedal arm, and a biasing device. The pedal arm includes an upper end and a pedal pad at a lower end. The upper end of the pedal arm is pivotally supported within the housing bracket for movement along a pedal path between an undepressed position and a depressed position. The biasing device includes a first end cap pivotally attached to the housing bracket and a second end cap pivotally attached to the pedal arm. The biasing device includes a compressible member disposed between the first end cap and the second end cap. The compressible member biases the pedal arm towards the undepressed position. Upon depression of the pedal arm towards the depressed position, the compressible member compresses as the biasing device rotates to provide a variable pedal resistance over the pedal path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pivot-arm type manipulator device, comprising an arm member that pivots about an axis by being manipulated, and a friction contact unit that generates friction force as the arm member pivots. At least one of the following differs between a first region of a small degree of manipulation vis-à-vis the arm member and a second region of the degree of manipulation vis-à-vis the arm member that is greater than the degree of manipulation of the first region: the friction coefficient between two members that configure the friction contact unit, the pressing load that acts between the two members that configure the friction contact unit, or the distance in the radial direction between the axis and the friction contact unit. The resistance torque that is applied to the arm member about the axis by friction force accordingly varies with the degree of manipulation vis-à-vis the arm member.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a door adapted to lift and slide. The apparatus includes a base connected to the door and a lever hingedly connected to the base for maneuvering the door. The lever is positioned within the base such that the lever is fully recessed in the base. In use, the lever may be extended away from the base and folded into an operating position for moving the door.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar includes a cylinder having two collars formed on each end portion, two arms each having a barrel disposed between the collars, two bars engaged through the collars and the barrels of the arms for pivotally connecting the arms to the cylinder, and two followers engaged into the cylinder and movable relative to the cylinder for moving the barrels of the arms to clamp and retain the bars to the cylinder at the selected position and to retain the barrels of the arms at the selected angular position relative to the cylinder, the arms are adjustable relative to the cylinder to the selected angular position and the bars are movable relative to the cylinder to the selected position when the followers are released.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a generally annular ring section to be hand held for steering a vehicle, and the ring section includes a core member and a cladding layer that covers an outer circumference of the core member all over. The hardness of the cladding layer is varied in a circumferential direction of a cross section of the ring section in which the core member is located at the center. An occupancy by a soft region is greater in a first region of the cladding layer located on a side facing toward a rotation center axis of the ring section than in a second region of the cladding layer located on a side facing away from the rotation center axis, such that the hardness in the first region is lower than that in the second region.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a gripping portion including an armature substantially encapsulated by a cover, and an outer skin provided over the cover. The outer skin comprises a layer of fabric material defining first and second opposed surfaces. The first surface of the fabric material has a polymeric coating. The first surface is attached to the outermost surface of the cover and the second surface defines a peripheral surface of the gripping portion. Preferably, the second surface of the fabric layer is substantially uncoated. In preferred arrangements, the second surface of the fabric layer has a surface relief pattern substantially defined by a weave of the fabric and thus defines a peripheral surface pattern.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for a bicycle, including a pedal, a crank arm having an axis of rotation of the crank arm, and a variable attachment device that attaches the pedal to the crank arm at an angle of inclination with respect to the axis of rotation of the crank arm, wherein the variable attachment device enables changing the angle of inclination with respect to the axis of rotation of the crank arm without disassembly of the pedal from the crank arm.

Abstract: A drive train of a motor vehicle, having a hybrid drive comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric machine, and an automatic group transmission connected between the hybrid drive and an axle drive. The group transmission has at least a main gearing in a countershaft design, having a main shaft and at least one countershaft, a front-mounted group, particularly implemented as a splitter group, upstream in terms of drive technology of the main gearing, and/or a rear-mounted group, particularly implemented as a range group, downstream in terms of drive technology of the main gearing. An input shaft of the group transmission is connected, via a controllable startup clutch, to the internal combustion engine, and an output shaft of the group transmission is connected to the axle drive, and the electric machine of the hybrid drive is connected to the at least one countershaft.

Abstract: A hydromechanical transmission has a hydraulic pump-driven hydraulic motor of a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission and a mechanical multi-step variable speed transmission connected to a drive shaft of the hydraulic motor, which can be shifted into operation by a gear shifting device. In order to adapt the hydromechanical transmission with as compact as possible a design to diverse installation cases with little effort, the gear shifting device is arranged directly adjacent to the hydraulic motor and is consolidated with the latter into a preassembled constructional unit.

Abstract: Provided is a carbon composite briquette which is used as the raw material of a movable hearth furnace for producing reduced iron having a sufficient carbon content and a higher crushing strength, and also provided is a method for producing reduced iron using the carbon composite briquette. The carbon composite briquette for producing reduced iron has a total SiO2+Al2O3+CaO+MgO content that is between 7 and 15 mass %; an MgO content that is between 0.1 and 6 mass %; an Al2O3/SiO2 mass ratio that is between 0.34 and 0.52; a CaO/SiO2 mass ratio that is between 0.25 and 2.0; and a C content such that between 1 and 9 mass % of C is retained in the resulting reduced iron.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a high purity copper (Cu) powder material useable in fabricating a sputtering target material for electronic industrial applications, for example a penetrator liner. The foregoing method has a configuration of using an apparatus composed of a raw material feeder, a plasma torch and a reactor to prepare a metal powder, and includes steps of passing a Cu powder having an average particle diameter of 30 to 450 ?m through the thermal plasma torch at an introduction rate of 2 to 30 kg/hr. to thereby fabricate a Cu powder having an average particle diameter of 5 to 300 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a solder powder having a diameter of sub-micrometers or several micrometers, the method including: mixing solder powder having a diameter of 10 to 1000 micrometers with a polymer resin to obtain a mixture; heating the mixture to a temperature higher than a melting point of the solder powder in the mixture; applying ultrasonic waves to the heated mixture so that the diameter of the solder powder becomes 0.1 to 10 micrometers; and cooling the mixture to the room temperature without exposing the solder powder of 0.1 to 10 micrometers to the air.

Abstract: A method of producing silver nanofilaments that is relatively fast and may be carried out at normal room temperatures (e.g., from about 10° C. to about 25° C.). The method of producing silver nanofilaments includes the steps of adding a solid silver salt to liquid ether to form a mixture, adding a liquid fatty acid to the mixture, adding a reducing agent to the mixture, allowing the ingredients to react, and recovering silver nanofilaments.

Abstract: The invention concerns a recycling process for recovery of metals from Li-ion batteries. More particularly, an autogeneous process is disclosed for the recovery of Co from Li-ion batteries also containing Al and C, comprising the steps of: —providing a bath furnace equipped with means for O2 injection; —providing a metallurgical charge comprising CaO as a slag former, and Li-ion batteries; —feeding said metallurgical charge to the furnace while injecting O2, whereby at least part of the Co is reduced and collected in a metallic phase; —separating the slag from the metallic phase by tapping; characterized in that the fraction of Li-ion batteries, expressed as weight % of the metallurgical charge, is at least equal to 153%?3.5 (Al %+0.6 C %), Al % and C % being the weight % of Al and C in the batteries, thereby enabling to operate the smelt reduction process in autogeneous conditions.

Abstract: A tool for mounting or removing a container of energy that powers an engine or motor that propels a motor vehicle, fixed to the motor vehicle using a lock on which there acts a piston that loads the lock. The tool includes at least one tool attachment device, a device for releasing the load on the lock by acting on the piston, and a device for locking and/or unlocking the battery.

Abstract: A tool extension includes a receiving member having a stem and a casing, the stem includes an engaging hole for engaging with a driving tool, and the casing includes an space formed between two plates for engaging with an adapter, the adapter includes a number of radially extended protrusions for rotating and directing toward and away from the stem, the adapter and includes a socket opening formed in each of the protrusions for engaging with various tool elements or fasteners. The casing includes a spring biased projection engaged in one of the plates for selectively engaging with the adapter and for positioning the adapter to the casing.

Abstract: A fork cartridge driver having an outer ring and an inner driver which is reversible to engage both a fork cap and a fork cartridge. Also a second embodiment of a fork cartridge driver having an enclosed slot. Also a third embodiment of a fork cartridge driver having an engagement feature mate. Also a method for disassembling a fork cartridge assembly, which includes a fork cap having an octagonal outline portion and a fork cartridge having a ridge using a fork cartridge driver which is reversible.

Abstract: An automatically-configurable screwdriver assembly includes a shaft with a hollow interior portion, a proximal end, and a distal end. A first blade is fixedly coupled to the distal end of the shaft to prevent motion in a proximal direction and a plunger is at least partially located within the hollow interior portion of the shaft and slidable therein between an extended position and a retracted position. A compression member exerts force on the plunger in a distal direction and a second blade is mechanically coupled to the plunger so that, when the plunger is in the extended position, the first blade and second blade extend approximately equidistant from the distal end of the shaft and form a substantially perpendicular configuration with one another and when the plunger is in the retracted position, the first blade extends a greater distance from the distal end of the shaft than does the second blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a torque socket, which comprises a shaft rod and a shaft cylinder. Two ends of the shaft rod are respectively axially formed with an insertion tenon and a core shaft having at least a cut groove transversally on a surface. Two axial ends of the shaft cylinder are respectively formed with a shaft slot and a sleeve slot, wherein the shaft slot allows the core shaft to be inserted therein and is formed with a buckle part corresponding to the location of the flange part; the interior of the shaft slot is radially and protrudingly formed with a friction segment for tightening the core shaft, thereby forming a preset torque value between the core shaft and the shaft slot. When the socket is used to fasten a connection unit, if the preset torque of the socket is exceeded, an idle rotation state is formed.

Abstract: A torque wrench includes a driving head, a hollow handle, compression unit, an adjustment unit, an index unit and a display unit. The driving head and the handle are pivotably connected to each other. The compression unit has a resilient member and an end piece which contacts the driving head. The adjustment unit adjusts the length of the resilient member to set the torque of the wrench. The index unit has a first index and a second index, both of which are moved with the movement of the adjustment unit. The movement of the first index is detected by the display unit and transferred into digits to display the value of the torque. The second index is cooperated with the marks of the scale member to display the value of the torque.

Abstract: A machining method for machining a surface of a spectacle lens at a fixed rotation speed, includes a step of determining the rotation speed from geometric characteristics of the surface, characterized in that the step of determining the rotation speed includes the following steps: a value (Maxdiff) representative of the largest difference in geometric value of the mean sphere on the surface is determined; and the rotation speed is deduced from the value (Maxdiff) of the largest difference in geometric values of the mean sphere on the surface and from a geometric value of the cylinder (FV torus) at a predetermined far-vision control point.

Abstract: A sample sectioning device includes a cutting mechanism, a sample holder, a drive system, and a surface orientation sensor. The sample holder is operable to hold a sample. The cutting mechanism is operable to cut sections from the sample. The drive system is coupled with the sample holder. The drive system is operable to drive movement between the sample held by the sample holder and the cutting mechanism. The surface orientation sensor is operable to sense an orientation of a surface of the sample held by the sample holder.

Abstract: A food product slicer includes a carriage assembly is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of a knife. An adjustable gauge plate provides variable slice thickness for food product carried by the carriage assembly. During automatic slicing, when the gauge plate is moved from the open position to the closed position, a slicer controller automatically shuts down the carriage drive in a controlled manner that causes the carriage to stop at its most forward position.

Abstract: Vacuum release systems that allow rapid, uninterrupted flow of a liquid through a first opening in a container when the container is inverted are disclosed. The vacuum release systems includes a holes punch and can be secured to the outer surface of the container. When the liquid-filled container is inverted, pressure is applied to the hole punch to form a second opening in the side of the container. The second opening releases the vacuum by allowing air to flow into the container, which, in turn, allows rapid, uninterrupted flow of the liquid through the first opening in the container.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a frame with a first and a second conveyor operatively attached thereto. The conveyors are configured to carry a workpiece from a first end a second end of the frame. The first conveyor is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees to a ground surface supporting the cutting apparatus. The second conveyor is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees to the ground surface, wherein the second conveyor is positioned perpendicularly to the first conveyor so as to form a V-shaped channel therewith. A first cutting blade is operatively attached to the frame and is positioned generally parallel to the first conveyor and a second cutting blade is operatively attached to the frame and is positioned generally parallel to the second conveyor.

Abstract: A shimless separator arbor for slitting a sheet of metal passing through a slitter has a separator adjustment device as a new separator adjustment device for allowing adjustments to the space between separators for the purpose of properly spacing strips of material formed from the sheet of metal to cut at two strips from the sheet, so the at least strips have a smooth edge.

Abstract: A dispenser for sachets comprising a container for sachets, having a slot opening communicating with an internal cavity such that a sachet may be inserted into the slot into the cavity, with an abutment surface within the cavity to limit the distance the sachet may extend into the cavity, and a cutter located within the cavity to cut the sachet, preferably on a withdrawal movement so the sachet is in tension. In another embodiment the dispenser dispenses sachets along a dispensing path and a cutter is located in the dispensing path to intercept and cut the sachet.

Abstract: A piano hammer stopper system includes a stopper rail set comprising at least first and second stopper rail members, each movable between respective first positions allowing unobstructed movement of associated piano hammers and respective second positions stopping at least one associated piano hammer from striking any corresponding string. At least one drive shaft is rotatably coupled to one or both of the stopper rail members. A drive arm is attached to the drive shaft and engages a drive fulcrum. A travel guide directs movement of the first and second stopper rail members between respective first and second positions. Rotation of the drive shaft rotates the drive arm to engage the drive fulcrum for moving one or both of the first and second stopper rail members between respective first and second positions.

Abstract: The present invention extends to practice devices for practicing to play stringed instruments. More specifically, the present invention relates to a practice device that may assist a user in learning how to properly finger and play a stringed musical instrument. A user can hold an elongate handle and place one or more of his or her fingers on strings to practice fingerings that are used to play chords/notes. Real instrument strings can be used, helping to strengthen a user's fingertips and get the fingertips accustomed to holding/pinching the instrument strings. Further, the stringed instrument practice device can be portable and sized to fit within the user's hand. Accordingly, a user can realize advantages of the invention and utilize practice methods while the user is “on the go,” riding on a bus, watching television, waiting in line, etc.

Abstract: A rotation device is adapted to be installed between the bell of a musical wind instrument and the body of the musical instrument. One or more rotational devices may be controlled by the musician or someone else while the musician is performing and/or playing the instrument. The rotation device may control the speed of rotation, the direction of rotation, and the amount of travel of rotation. The amount of travel of rotation of the bell may be more than and/or equal to and/or less than a 360 degree rotation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a beater for operating a drum, the beater comprising the following: a main body (10) having a beating part (11) which is removably attached to the main body (10); a shaft (20) on which the main body (10) is mounted, at least one recess (12) being formed in the main body (10) for accommodating a bulk body, wherein one side of the recess is delimited by a bottom surface (11a) of the beating part (11) so that the recess (12) is accessible from outside when the beating part (11) is removed. A pivot bearing of the main body (10) at the shaft (20) can be realized by a friction surface between the main body (10) and the shaft (20).

Abstract: A training and practice mallet for keyboard percussion instruments comprising a slender, substantially cylindrical mallet shaft with a gripping end and a striking end, the gripping end improved and enhanced with a pommel, or knob, affixed to the gripping end terminus, the pommel (knob) of suitable size to be gripped in the user's hand without impeding multi-mallet manipulation, and the striking end improved with a lightweight mallet head whereby a reduced volume is produced when striking a keyboard percussion instrument and in turn reducing fatigue and irritation in the user's hands and wrists. The training and practice mallet allows for increased control and confidence at low volumes while learning complex four-mallet grips. A pommel as described above and fitted to a conventional mallet for keyboard percussion instruments.

Abstract: A keyboard instrument is provided in order to further improve expressiveness as a keyboard instrument while ease in performing is ensured. In the keyboard, a plurality of keys is lined up in order, and each supported so as to be pivotable about a supporting point. The keys include first keys, second keys, and third keys. The first keys, the second keys, and the third keys constitute key portions, in which the first keys, the second keys, and the third keys are respectively lined up according to types of the keys in a lateral direction and disposed in order of the first keys, the second keys, and the third keys from a front side. The key portions are disposed on a plurality of steps in an up-and-down direction.

Abstract: An instrument tuner for drums that has a sensing means for sensing the combined fundamental resonance and pitch from inside the drum; a measurement means for measuring a frequency of said combined fundamental resonance and pitch; and a selection means to then compare the frequency measured to a corresponding musical note of the instrument tuner. Eventhough the sensing means will be internal to the drum, the tuner or display could be external to the drum and/or separate from the sensing means; a wireless device or system is specified also that could be used with this method. A single-note tuner is specified, as well as a tuner designed to recognize more than a single-note, if a wireless device or system is used, as one example, for a complete drumset.