Abstract: A musical instrument with a plurality of strings comprises a body assembly, a neck, and a headpiece, with the body assembly comprising a cylindrical body, a membrane covering the top of the cylindrical body, and a head rim extending along the circumference of the top of the cylindrical body holding the membrane over the cylindrical body, with a plurality of tuning lug assemblies secured into the side of the head rim.

Abstract: An energy conducting cable loop enclosure which receives and retains an above-ground loop of a flexible conductor cable in an underground energy distribution system, particularly in a system for the supplying of electrical energy. The main body structure, which is upright in normal placement, is of elongate rectangular shape with an above-ground and a below-ground portion and having an open bottom and a closed top. At the junction of these two portions, supporting feet are located which bridge a hole in the ground, in which the below-ground portion is inserted, to rest on the surrounding ground. A removable front plate provides access to the interior of the above-ground portion. The above-ground portion contains a cable hoop having a radius at least as great as the minimum allowable bending radius of the cable on which a loop of cable is trained after being led through the open bottom and out through the open above-ground front.

Abstract: A multiple mode hydraulic piston assembly employing a regenerative hydraulic circuit which when incorporated in the piston of a hydraulic cylinder and assembled with a pressureized hydraulic source through appropriate piping and valving, will sequentially permit, restrict, and block liquid flow through the piston and will thus extend its piston rod in multiple force modes, namely a low force rapid extension mode, a moderate force rapid extension mode, and a high force extension mode. In response to fluid pressures within the cylinder chamber the multiple mode piston assembly automatically changes operational modes. First bi-directional flow is provided between opposing chambers, then uni-directional flow is provided from the rod end to the back end chamber, and finally flow between the chambers is blocked. A modified embodiment provides a free motion mode wherein a modest external force can displace the piston in either direction.

Abstract: Liquid fluid pressure applied to a piston causes advancement thereof at a rapid rate until an external resisting load applied to the piston rod exceeds a predetermined value producing a corresponding increase in the pressure within the opposing pressure chambers to which the piston is exposed. Bi-directional flow, conducted between the opposing chambers during rapid piston movement, is automatically blocked by a differential circuit pressure operated piston valve to cause a rapid increase in the differential pressures acting on the piston, and an increase in the value of the external piston rod load with a corresponding decrease in its rate of movement in the same direction. A modified embodiment permits the piston rod to act under pressure and with a force in both the extending and retracting phases of the stroke with the same rapid extending rate until the external resisting force is encountered.

Abstract: The attachment device is made of two piece separable construction for use in securing flexible films and fabrics, hereafter referred to as material. One element has two longitudinal grooves facing in opposite directions, one groove being larger than the other groove. The other element has two longitudinal beads that positively interlock with the grooves of the first element when the two elements are pushed together by one of said beads and the larger groove acting as a pivot and the other bead and smaller groove being engageable by relative rotational movement of said elements about said pivot. Flexing of one or both elements allows for engagement of the shallower groove and complementary bead. The said interlocking action of the two elements is utilized to capture and secure material placed between the two elements. The shallower groove and complementary bead are disengageable by relative rotational movement of the two elements about said pivot when the two elements are pulled apart.