Abstract: An elongated string support for a stringed musical instrument includes a neck having a heel portion, a head portion, and a finger-board portion extending axially between the heel portion and the head portion. The finger-board portion has a spiral profile from the heel portion to the head portion. The elongated string support also includes a finger-board attached to the neck and having a heel end and a nut end. The finger-board has a spiral profile from the heel end to the nut end. The neck and the finger-board are zero degrees from a heel thereof and to a predetermined angle greater than zero degrees at a nut thereof.

Abstract: A dual coil pick-up assembly for a stringed musical instrument having a plurality of moveable strings includes a case having a longitudinal channel with first and second sections. The pick-up assembly also includes first and second magnet structures disposed in the first and second sections having opposite polarities and a coil structure disposed in the first and second sections of the channel for eliminating hum in the pick-up assembly due to stray magnetic fields.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a pick-up of a stringed musical instrument includes at least one mounting stud connected to a case of a pick-up and a disc disposed about the mounting stud for dampening vibrations. The mounting assembly also includes a mounting bracket structure disposed adjacent the disc and operatively connected to the mounting stud for attaching the pick-up to a stringed musical instrument.

Abstract: A dual coil pick-up assembly for a stringed musical instrument having a plurality of moveable strings includes a case having a longitudinal channel with first and second sections. The pick-up assembly also includes first and second magnet structures disposed in the first and second sections having opposite polarities and a coil structure disposed in the first and second sections of the channel for eliminating hum in the pick-up assembly due to stray magnetic fields.

Abstract: Apparatus, for winding coils of various geometric configuration, includes a rotary spindle provided with a mounting face on which a segmented core spool assembly is mounted. This assembly is thus fixed by a clamping flange extending a tongue into the spindle. A cam and a swash plate on the spindle then articulate a pivoted arm on which a wire guide is fixed. The cam is then useful in minimizing the dynamic components of the wire wound onto an irregular shape while the swash plate controls the winding lace.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pickup for use in sensing the mechanical motion of strings includes a ferromagnetic housing of elongate, longitudinally recessed form in which a ferromagnetic core is received. The core includes a plurality of coplanar, spaced, finger-like projections directed at the walls of the recess. Both the walls of the recess and the finger-like projections of the core are permanently magnetized to a common magnetic polarity and thus will concentrate by magnetic repulsion the flux into the gap between the projections. A coil wound around the core then senses the flux changes of these concentrated flux fields due to string motion.

Abstract: A high lift check valve resistant to the flow of abrasive containing fluid therethrough, which valve may be transformed to also act as an excess fluid control valve.

Abstract: An electrically operable actuator capable of being secured to a valve body to control the flow of fluid therethrough by the movement of a spring-loaded valve member supporting armature. The spring-loaded armature, at all times, tends to move to a first position where the valve member is in sealing engagement with a valve seat and flow of fluid through the valve body is obstructed. The actuator includes a permanent magnet and solenoid, each of which provides a separate source of magnetic flux. The armature is formed from magnetic stainless steel or other material having substantial permeability and low magnetic retentivity. When the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet and solenoid flow in the same direction relative to the armature, the armature is moved from a first fluid flow obstructing position to a second non-fluid flow obstructing position, and thereafter removably held in the second position by magnetic flux from the permanent magnet.