Abstract: A remote blockchain masternode deployment system including a light client that can deploy a remote masternode without requiring the masternode owner to lose control of the funds staked at the masternode using a transaction identifier including a transaction hash and an index instead of a transfer of locked funds on the blockchain to an address controlled by a party other than the masternode owner. The masternode owner can unilaterally dismantle the masternode and recover the staked funds by spending the staked funds to another address controlled by the masternode operator. A pingless activation allows the masternode owner to “click and run” after funding the masternode without having to wait for the funding transaction to become buried before broadcasting an activation message. A staking vault performs staking functions for the owner in a way that does not allow unilateral spending of staked funds by the vault.

Abstract: A remote blockchain masternode deployment system including a light client that can deploy a remote masternode without requiring the masternode owner to lose control of the funds staked at the masternode using a transaction identifier including a transaction hash and an index instead of a transfer of locked funds on the blockchain to an address controlled by a party other than the masternode owner. The masternode owner can unilaterally dismantle the masternode and recover the staked funds by spending the staked funds to another address controlled by the masternode operator. A pingless activation allows the masternode owner to “click and run” after funding the masternode without having to wait for the funding transaction to become buried before broadcasting an activation message. A staking vault performs staking functions for the owner in a way that does not allow unilateral spending of staked funds by the vault.

Abstract: Apparatus, such as a stringed musical instrument, is provided with intonation modules that include a novel fine-tuning invention that eliminates modifying strings required of prior art comprising an improved clamping element, a hollow tube element forming a tailpiece at one end furthest the second critical point and a novel adaptor plate element connected to a base plate. Clamping the sting renders the string substantially inextensible between the clamping point and the tailpiece formed at the end of the hollow. Threading the string through the hollow tube portion delivers the string over the second critical point effortlessly. The hollow portion of the string holder element is threadedly engaged with an adjustment knob and makes bearing contact with adaptor plate for fine-tuning. The adaptor plate can be added to a unitary component forming the base plate and can provide other functions.

Abstract: A fulcrum tremolo includes intonation modules for fine tuning or macro tuning, an unitary component forming a base plate and an adaptor plate. An improved bearing arrangement features integrated riser posts, combining the bearing axle housing with traditional riser posts, an improved bearing axle supporting bearings positioned within recesses in a bearing housing. A plain end and a threaded end of the bearing axle cooperate with a riser post having a larger plain opening and a second riser post having a threaded opening. The plain end and a ring spacer, positioned between a bearing and the second riser post, positions the bearings away from the tremolo wherein the axle is slideably positioned within the first riser post as the second end of the axle is threadedly secured to the second riser post and thereby adjustably secures the bearing arrangement relative to the body of the instrument for pivotal movement.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments, a stringed instrument is provided wherein each string has two critical points. In some embodiments, a fulcrum tremolo is mounted on the instrument for varying the tension of the strings and the distance between the two critical points. In some embodiments, the strings are attached to a plurality of intonation modules mounted on the fulcrum tremolo. In some embodiments, each intonation module is adjustable so that the strings can be adjusted from an untensioned state to a proper playing pitch. In some embodiments, a bearing assembly is also included to facilitate pivoting of the fulcrum tremolo.

Abstract: A stringed instrument is provided wherein each string has two critical points. A fulcrum tremolo is mounted on the instrument for varying the tension of the strings and the distance between the two critical points. The strings are attached to a plurality of intonation modules mounted on the fulcrum tremolo. Each intonation module is adjustable so that the strings can be adjusted from an untensioned state to a proper playing pitch. A bearing assembly is also included to facilitate pivoting of the fulcrum tremolo.

Abstract: An illuminatable decorative object made of a base of an optical material covered on at least one side with a layer of a malleable material displaying an image thereon. The invention also relates to a method of making an illuminatable decorative object by arranging a malleable material into an image bearing disk in which the image extends through the width of the disk; rolling the image bearing disk into a cane; cutting the cane into a second disk; and molding the second disk onto the surface of an optical material.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is provided wherein each string has two critical points. A fulcrum tremolo is mounted on the instrument for varying the tension of the strings and the distance between the two critical points. The strings are attached to a plurality of intonation modules mounted on the fulcrum tremolo. Each intonation module is adjustable so that the strings can be adjusted from an untensioned state to a proper playing pitch. A bearing assembly is also included to facilitate pivoting of the fulcrum tremolo.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is formed of an elongated wire which is being bendable between a straight shape and an arcuate shape, a length of cord-like material braided circumferentially about the wire. The article of manufacture may be made of different lengths so as to serve different purposed such as a bracelet, a ring, or a hair band.

Abstract: Apparatus, such as a stringed musical instrument, is provided with at least one free-to-vibrate portion tightly coupled to a vibrating object. A member forming the free-to-vibrate is tuned to at least one specific resonant frequency related to the vibrating object. In a guitar the bridge assembly can include the free-to-vibrate portion. The bridge assembly can be a fulcrum tremolo with individual intonation modules each having a free-to-vibrate portion.