Abstract: A lens cap for a camera is disclosed, comprising: a reference surface, the reference surface having the capability of being used to calibrate an exposure setting or a white balance setting of a photographic subject; wherein the lens cap is placed in front of a lens of the camera in the lighting conditions of the photographic subject, the reference surface being directed towards the lens; and wherein an intensity of the visible light spectrum being reflected by the reference surface is detected.

Abstract: An interconnection assembly for the transport of a fluid between an external fluidic means and a mounting block of a modular fluid distribution system, comprising: a cylindrical cavity formed through a face of the mounting block; a cylindrical flow element, a fluid passage formed therethrough, at least one retaining groove being formed on the outer surface; a retaining means; wherein the cylindrical flow element is inserted into the cylindrical cavity, the annular sealing means being compressed, the annular sealing means forming a hermetic seal between the fluid passage and the fluid port, the retaining means engaging retaining groove, the retaining means being braced against the mounting block; and wherein said fluid is transported between said external fluidic component and said mounting block via said cylindrical flow element.

Abstract: A method for the orbital welding of tubular elements held in abutment comprising the steps of striking an arc at a strike point with an orbital welder between an electrode and a seam formed by a first tubular element and a second tubular element, held in abutment within a fixture; initiating an orbit of said electrode around an abutment of said first tubular element and said second tubular element; adjusting the current of said arc in a pulsed manner from a maximum current to a minimum current at a set frequency, combination of said maximum current and said minimum current forming an average current; decreasing said average current in a generally continuous manner as said orbit of said electrode progresses from said strike point, the rate of decrease of said maximum current having a generally inverse relationship to the rate of increase in temperature experienced by said tubular elements.

Abstract: A pivoting electromagnetic pickup device is provided. The invention generally is comprised of an elongated support structure, an electromagnetic pickup, a pivoting means, and an angular position locking means. The extremity of the elongated support structure is pivotally attached to the front face of an electric guitar or electric base body, between the front face and the strings, restricting its movement to a curvilinear path substantially normal to the axis of rotation and substantially parallel to the plane of the strings. The pickup is mounted to the elongated support structure, between the elongated support structure and the strings. Attaching the elongated support structure to the guitar body in a pivotal relationship is the pivoting means. The angular position locking means can be engaged to continuously vary the resistance to angular motion, from no resistance to maximum resistance, where the elongated support structure is substantially locked to a chosen angular position.

Abstract: A sinusoidal structural member having a dual component flange is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the flange (both upper and lower) is comprised of at least two components. These two components can be produced by dividing the flange lengthwise; where the division plane is substantially parallel to the plane of the web, when observing a standard flange-web relationship; and the geometry of the division border substantially matches the sinusoidal geometry of the web. The two resulting flange components substantially complement one another; wherein the sine peak of one component fits within the sine valley of its corresponding component, leaving a gap sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the web to be interposed. The sinusoidal web, substantially matching the division pattern of the flange components, is compressively sandwiched between the flange components, with sufficient compression to bring the sinusoidal web within dimensional compliance.