Abstract: A tuner device for a string instrument such as a guitar including a conventional tuning machine such as one incorporating a worm gear drive for initially tuning a string by controllably rotating the output shaft which has mounted thereon a peg on which a string is wound. The tuning machine is mounted on a support plate assembly which is selectively arcuately rockable through a small angle from its rest position to its operative or detuned position.

Abstract: A stringed bender attachment for selectively changing the tension imposed on a selected string of a string instrument of the guitar family including a frame attached to the instrument body opposite the neck of the instrument having mounted thereon a rod having an axis transverse to the axis of a selected string and a rocker arm pivotally mounted on the rod and having the end of the selected string anchored thereto. Pivotal movement of the rocker arm slightly changes the tension imposed on the selected string, and actuating means are provided including an extended arm actuable by body movement of the performer during play for bending or changing the tension on the selected string. A second bender means may be mounted on the rod for changing the tension of a second string by digital movement by the performer. Selectively adjustable means are provided for limiting the amount of change of tension.

Abstract: A splitter head including a body generally symmetrical about a central vertical plane, the lower portion of the body being bounded by opposed smooth-surfaced side walls converging downwardly to terminate in a cutting edge lying in the central plane. Spaced upwardly from the cutting edge, first and second sets of rollers are mounted in ports formed in the body, the rollers being rotatable about axes parallel to and disposed on opposite sides of the plane. The outer cylindrical surfaces of the rollers lie outwardly of the side walls. The upper body portion is defined by upper continuations of the side walls and recessed in at least one of the continuation walls there is provided a layer of phosphorescent material covered by a protective translucent coating. The side walls in the lower portion of the body may be formed to provide recesses flanking a central smooth vertical strip extending upwardly from just above the roller ports.

Abstract: A splitter wedge construction for selectively halving or quartering a workpiece such as a log including a first wedge having an upper anvil head and vertical elongated shank terminating in a downwardly directed cutting edge, the shank being provided with an elongated slot for receiving the central section of a second wedge having a downwardly directed cutting edge, the cutting edges of the two wedges when assembled being mutually perpendicular. Retaining spring pins are provided for removably retaining the two wedges loosely in assembled relation, with abutment faces of the two wedges in abuttable relation when force is applied to the anvil head.

Abstract: A wind instrument having a mouthpiece connected to the inner end of a tube forming an elongated resonating chamber, the tube being provided with a slot along virtually its entire length, and an elongated flexible strip closure member having its inner end fixed to the tube adjacent to the mouthpiece and the strip overlying the slot, the outer end of the strip being fixed to the tube structure adjacent to its outer end. Resilient sealing means are provided between the lower face of the strip and the slot walls whereby the closure strip closes the chamber from the mouthpiece end to a selected point where the user digitally depresses the strip into sealing relation with the slot walls, thus creating a resonating chamber of selected length, as determined by the position of the user's finger.

Abstract: A system for tensioning a line of flexible material such as a cord, rope, cable or web, including a body provided with a pair of spaced sheave means each having a central rod around which the line may pass, the axes of the rods being parallel. A bracket projects from the body in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the rod axes, and includes a pivotal attachment point spaced from the plane. A swing arm may be pivotally attached at one end to said point and at its other end to the line to be tensioned, and means are provided for selectively locking said arm against swinging movement when the arm is parallel to the plane of the rod axes.

Abstract: A construction for protecting against damage to or unplugging of an electrical cord or plug connected to a portable musical instrument supported on the performer's shoulder by means of a strap attached to studs or the like projecting from the instrument body. The construction includes a washer removably mounted on one of such studs, serving not only to prevent accidental dislodgement of the strap from the stud, but also as an anchoring point for the electrical cord. The assembly between the cord and washer may include an elongated resilient member to snub or soften any jerk on the cord resulting for example from sudden or excessive movement of the performer. The washer includes two circular members each having a pear-shaped opening, the washer being in locked position when the openings are out of registration with one another.

Abstract: A conveyor system for moving hangers carrying clothes includes a reciprocating chain which has a number of depending fingers attached to it at regular intervals along its length. The fingers extend down and move hangers along a pipe which is mounted below the chain. As the chain is reciprocated back and forth, each of the fingers picks up a hanger and moves it forward along the pipe, and then on the backward movement in the reciprocating motion of the chain, each of the fingers slides over the hook of the hanger and moves back to pick up the next preceding hanger. The fingers are pivotally suspended from a series of plastic slides, and these slides are arranged so that they may be pushed into engagement with one another, at one end of the assembly, so that the pipe on which the clothes hangers are supported may be used for general purpose storage and the hangers may be slid in either direction on this pipe.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system for radiating acoustic output throughout 360.degree. in generally horizontal planes, comprising an enclosure having low frequency (woofer) and high frequency (tweeter) radiators mounted in spaced relation on a common vertical axis. The horn loaded compression driver tweeter is the upper of the two and has a diaphragm radiating axially upwardly into a flaring horn, preferably exponential, including an intermediate annular section which abruptly reflects sound waves approximately 90.degree. into a radial outlet section of the horn radiating approximately horizontally through 360.degree., providing the known advantages of horn loaded compression drivers in a radically more compact form than conventional horn speakers. The woofer radiates axially downwardly, and a conical plug spaced downwardly from the speaker cone serves to load the cone for higher efficiency and smoother response, and to deflect acoustic output of the cone generally horizontally through 360.degree. in a 2.pi.

Abstract: A wind instrument having a mouthpiece connected to the inner end of a tube forming an elongated resonating chamber, the tube being provided with a slot along virtually its entire length, and an elongated flexible strip closure member having its inner end fixed to the tube adjacent to the mouthpiece and the strip overlying the slot, the outer end of the strip being fixed to the tube structure adjacent to its outer end. Resilient sealing means are provided between the lower face of the strip and the slot walls whereby the closure strip closes the chamber from the mouthpiece end to a selected point where the user digitally depresses the strip into sealing relation with the slot walls, thus creating a resonating chamber of selected length, as determined by the positions of the user's finger.

Abstract: An acoustic space absorber unit is provided in which Helmholtz resonators are mounted within an enclosure composed of sound absorbing material, with the orifices of the resonators near to but spaced from the enclosing material. The Helmholtz resonators are tuned to low audible frequencies such as 125 Hz. The Helmholtz resonators enhance the sound absorption at low frequencies while the entire unit provides sound absorption throughout the entire audible range.

Abstract: A fuel control system is disclosed for supplying fuel to an engine from a plurality of fuel tanks in a manner which provides an operator with sufficient warning when a selected fuel tank has run dry prior to ceasing fuel flow to the engine that action can be taken to switch to an alternate fuel tank whereby engine operation is never ceased under normal circumstances. The disclosed apparatus includes a novel buffer container for disposition between the selector valve and engine incorporating a bi-stable sensor and an outlet fitting for metering trapped air into the fuel to the engine whereby venting to atmosphere is not required.