Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for the conversion of the hardtop vehicles to removable top vehicles is disclosed. The conversion includes the severing of a portion of the hardtop and the attachment of a roof cap member to the removable top. The cap includes a cantilevered forward section adapted to seal and conceal the juncture of the top leading edge and vehicle header. A roof stiffener secures the leading edge of the severed roof top to the roof cap. Novel transition seal pairs and an elongated header seal are provided to seal the juncture of the vehicle header and the leading edge of the removable roof. Mating upper and lower caps are secured to the rear severed edges of the vehicle and hardtop. Latches are provided to secure the hardtop in position and are adapted to include positioning adjustments to properly fit the hardtop to the vehicles.Other features and improvements are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved remote calibration is disclosed for calibrating a gas sensing device. A housing is provided which receives the gas sensor in an open end and a valve/diaphragm assembly in a receiving end. A plurality of openings are formed in the housing adjacent the open end to allow the ambient gas to communicate with the gas sensor. A cap is provided to define a gas chamber between the cap and the rolling diaphragm. The valve is carried by the diaphragm. A gas inlet in the cap admits pressurized gas, driving the diaphragm and the valve toward the open end of the housing to obstruct the ambient gas from the gas sensing device. An orifice is provided in the diaphragm and communicates with a bore in the valve. Calibration gas passes through the orifice and the bore in the valve and floods the region around the gas sensor.

Abstract: A novel music instrument is disclosed, comprising (i) a wind music instrument of the type wherein the emitted acoustic tone is dependent upon the placement of means such as valves or a slide which determine column length and the wind pressure exerted by the musician, (ii) a music synthesizer, and (iii) an interface apparatus. The interface apparatus includes sensing means for sensing the position of the instrument valves or slides and generating a sensing signal, transducer means for sensing characteristics of the note emitted by the wind instrument and generating a transducer signal, and a controller adapted to the type of wind instrument for generating a synthesizer control signal in response to the sensing signal and the transducer signal. By playing the instrument in a normal manner, the musician is able to also control the synthesizer to generate notes related to the notes emitted by the wind instrument.

Abstract: A novel saucer-shaped throwing implement is disclosed. The implement includes a saucer-shaped hull having a convex/concave curvature, and further including a flared disc which is bearing mounted on the concave side of the hull in alignment with the axis of the hull. The flared disc is freely rotatable with respect to the hull, and is arranged so as to minimize any effect on the aerodynamic characteristics of the throwing implement. The disc provides a surface for the player to contact to retrieve the thrown instrument and yet maintain its spinning motion. The disc accommodates off-center placements of the player's finger.

Abstract: A high power single or multichanneled pulse width modulated (PWM) audio amplifier is fabricated in a single package using hybrid assembly techniques.

Abstract: A pistol grip controller having a miniature multi-position tilt switch contained within the grip handle is disclosed. The tilt switch includes separate circuit contacts disposed about the inside of a switch housing and also includes a common contact that includes one or more commonly connected contact elements. A movable contact element completes the circuit connection between one of the separate contacts and the common contact in response to the movement imparted to the switch. The movable conductive element can be a conductively plated ball, a sliding conductive element, or a conductive fluid such as mercury. The pistol grip handle further indicates an index finger actuated switch and a thumb actuated switch. The pistol grip handle is removable mounted on a resilient mounting post that is secured to a base.