Abstract: An elastically deformable mute element has a shape with which its surface area of contact is easily and appreciably changeable depending on the pressure when pressed against the head of percussive musical instrument for snugger and evener pressure contact with the head surface, the entire mute assembly being ideally arranged outside the instrument and the locus of movement of the mute element for the pressure contact being preferably substantially perpendicular to the head surface.

Abstract: In the construction of a supporting device for musical instruments such as high-hat cymbals including a pipe mechanism for supporting the stationary one of the instruments, an operating rod operationally coupled to a foot pedal and for carrying movable one of the instruments confronting the stationary one, a tension spring for urging the operating rod to move against pressure applied to the foot pedal is arranged separately from and outside the pipe mechanism so that adjustment of the spring force can be effected quite freely following player's requirement without giving no influence upon the mechanical design of the pipe mechanism while mitigating the resonance of noises generated by the spring.

Abstract: Neoschizophyllan is produced by an ultrasonication of Schizophyllan which is extracted from a culture solution of Schizophyllum commune Fries or a fruit body thereof.

Abstract: Adjustable tilter device used for holding objectives such as musical instruments at a desired level and position over the floor includes a stationary tilter block detachably connected to a standard of a stand and a movable tilter block detachably holding a stem and turnable relative to the stationary tilter block in order for the stem to assume any selected tilting direction with respect to the stationary tilter block. When the stand is used with the stem in the upright state, the stem is kept in axial alignment with the standard so that lateral deviation between the centers of gravity of the two elements should be minimized for stable holding of heavy objectives by the stand and the stem should be accommodated in the standard in a telescopic fashion for convenience in transportation and/or storage of the stand.