Abstract: In a cymbal mounting arrangement including a cymbal rod having a threaded distal end for receiving and supporting a cymbal thereover, an improvement including a quick-release locking device for retaining the cymbal on the rod. The locking device includes an elongated body having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough sized for close slidable engagement over the distal end of the cymbal rod. The locking device also includes a spring biased release arm pivotally connected within a cavity formed into the side of the body about a transverse pivot axis. The release arm is configured having thread-engaging teeth at a proximal end thereof which biasingly engage against a limited number of threads of the distal end of the cymbal rod. An upper distal end of the release arm, when pivoted toward said body, releases the teeth from engagement with the threads of the distal end of the cymbal rod, allowing the locking device to be repositioned along the distal end of the cymbal rod or removed therefrom.

Abstract: The material constituting a drumming surface is anchored at its perimeter with epoxy to a supporting hoop. Between the hoop and tightening means there is located an O-ring of tension increasing material. When the tightening means is urged downwardly to increase the tension on the drumming surface, the tension increasing material distorts, partly laterally, thereby creating a tension which substantially increases the relative tension of the drumming surface material.

Abstract: A long chain macro-molecule synthetic fuel derived by distillation-linking methanol, butanol and a kerosene type oil with a colloid stabilizer. The synthetic fuel, when mixed with conventional fuels, substantially reduces the generation of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides as combustion products.

Abstract: A force take-off device which is particularly suitable for use in a brake actuating device for a pedal driven vehicle comprising inner and outer rotatable elements having a formation between said elements which has engaged and disengaged conditions, said condition being determined by the direction of rotation of one of said rotatable elements.

Abstract: For clamping a hose or flexible pipe on an insert of corresponding cross-sectional shape, there is disclosed a hose clip which is of generally coil spring configuration and which has two mutually engageable hooked end portions each projecting generally outwardly of the coil, the hose clip having, in its relaxed condition, a non-integral number of turns of a characteristic diameter and being constructed such that, on elastically deforming the hose clip (without plastically deforming it) to bring the hooks of the hooked end portions thereof into mutual engagement, the hose clip assumes its clamping position and the configuration of a coil spring having an integral number of turns the diameter of which is smaller than the said characteristic diameter. Preferably, the hose clip is formed of spring steel wire and comprises one complete and one incomplete turn of the wire when the hose clip is in its relaxed condition.