Abstract: A training/practice/amusement projectile comprises a ball with optimal baffling and rebounding characteristics for play and training of hand-eye coordination and motor skills. The ball generally includes a combination of bounce and baffling elements. In one embodiment the bounce and baffling elements respectively comprise densely packed loops of filament, and individual filament strands of lesser density, both radiating from a core of the ball. A novel method of fabrication includes winding wider and narrower loops of filament, bundling same together at a cinched core, and then cutting the wider loops to form the strands radiating outward inched core to impart a generally spherical outer shape to the ball.

Abstract: A method of treating an instrument string comprising the steps of: (a) securing both ends of the string, while the string is not on an instrument, to an apparatus that can apply tension to the string, the string having a longitudinal axis; (b) applying sufficient tension to the string with the apparatus along the longitudinal axis of the string to elongate the string by at least 0.3% without breaking the string; and (c) releasing at least part of the tension of step (b), wherein at least part of the elongation from step (b) remains.

Abstract: A musical instrument switching system includes a) a control circuit controllable for combining and routing the analog audio, the control circuit comprising a plurality of instrument pickups for transmitting analog audio, and a controller connector for allowing connection of the control circuit to a computing device, and b) a software program, installable in the computing device, for modifying the characteristics of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A musical instrument switching system includes a) a control circuit controllable for combining and routing the analog audio, the control circuit comprising a plurality of instrument pickups for transmitting analog audio, and a controller connector for allowing connection of the control circuit to a computing device, and b) a software program, installable in the computing device, for modifying the characteristics of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A string for a musical stringed instrument includes (a) a core wire and (b) a wrap wire coiled tightly around the core wire. The wrap wire is an aluminum-copper alloy having between about 2 wt % and about 10 wt % aluminum.

Abstract: A string for a musical stringed instrument includes (a) a core wire and (b) a wrap wire coiled tightly around the core wire. The wrap wire is an aluminum-copper alloy having between about 2 wt % and about 10 wt % aluminum.

Abstract: An adjustable bridge for a stringed instrument has a saddle housing defining a plurality of saddle slots and a saddle disposed within each saddle slot. Each saddle is axially adjustable within a saddle slot parallel to its instrument string and is firmly retained within a saddle slot by friction and/or by a tautly drawn instrument string disposed across the saddle. The adjustable bridge employs no springs, set screws, detents, removable screws or other removable fasteners.

Abstract: A musical instrument string is made of maraging steel and has a tensile strength greater than 430 ksi.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball-like exercise device adapted for insertion in the mouth and to be used for exercising, strengthening and/or toning facial and/or jaw muscles.

Abstract: The invention is a string for a musical instrument comprising (a) a core wire, and (b) a wrap wire coiled tightly around the core wire, the wrap wire comprising a magnetic cobalt-containing alloy.

Abstract: The present invention involves a solid compensated nut for a stringed musical instrument which improves the intonation of each string of the instrument. The compensated nut includes one or more intonation portions on a face of the nut and the intonation portions have different dimensions according to the desired pitch or intonation of the instrument. Desirably, the number of intonation portions is equal to the number of strings of the instrument, and each particular intonation portion is dimensioned to improve the intonation of a particular string. Advantageously, the nut is compensated different amounts according to the desired pitch of a particular string and the compensated nut is especially effective in improving the intonation of the strings near the nut.

Abstract: A practice ball system for training in the playing of pool or pocket billiards. The system includes a cueball having a generally spherical outer surface extending about an axis of revolution circumscribed by a central meridian, and which is movable along a playing surface from impact by a cue having a tip of a given outer diameter. The cueball has first indicia on the outer surface defining the central meridian which is visually perceptible as the ball is moving along the playing surface for discerning the rotation of the ball. The system also includes an object ball having a generally spherical outer surface extending about an axis of revolution circumscribed by a central meridian, and which is movable along a playing surface from impact by the cueball. The object ball has a first hemisphere having an outer surface of a first color, and a second hemisphere having an outer surface of a second color generally contrasting with the first color.

Abstract: A paint ball including a paint ball shell and an axis extending through the shell to define first and second poles. The paint ball shell fractures in a predetermined pattern upon the receipt of a fracturing force to form fracture lines from the point of impact circumferentially toward the first pole and from the point of impact circumferentially toward the second pole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pick-up device for an electric musical instrument having strings. The pick-up device has a primary coil for sensing the vibration of the strings, and a secondary coil for noise cancellation. The secondary coil is isolated from the primary coil by, for example, an operational amplifier. The primary coil operates in a primary circuit, while the secondary coil operates in a noise cancellation circuit. The impedances of the primary circuit are selected to optimize the frequency response of the primary coil. The impedances of the noise cancellation circuit are selected to match the frequency response of the secondary coil to the frequency response of the primary coil.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Impatiens plant, botanically known as Impatiens wallerana, and named `Salmon Sunrise` is provided. This new cultivar was the result of a controlled breeding program wherein a plant designated 434-2 (non-patented in the United States) was pollinated by a plant designated 394-3 (non-patented in the United States). The new cultivar is early blooming and forms in abundance attractive fully double salmon blooms. The foliage is medium green. The plant exhibits a good basal-branching character and exhibits an upright mounded growth habit. The new cultivar can be readily distinguished from the `Rosebud Salmon` cultivar (non-patented in the United States) in view of its propensity for earlier blooming, smaller flowers, and larger leaves.