Abstract: Devices including nematic liquid crystal-forming molecules are disclosed. The molecules include one or more dipoles and exist in a ferroelectric nematic state. Exemplary devices can further include an electrode for applying an electric field in, for example, and in-plane direction.

Abstract: Composite materials and devices including composite materials are disclosed. Exemplary composite materials include a porous material and ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal within pores of the porous material. The composite materials can be used in a variety of applications, such as capacitors, information storage and processing, actuators, sensors, electro-caloric devices, energy storage and/or conversion devices utilizing piezoelectric effects. The porous material can be a solid, a polymer, glassy, crystalline, amorphous, foam, an aerogel or ceramic.

Abstract: A composition and methods for the manufacturing, repair, maintenance and improvement of the nut and saddle of a stringed musical instrument. The composition is a powder configured to be used in nut and saddle slots to create lubricated, durable, aesthetically pleasing, color matched repairs and adjustments. The composition includes multiple substances to achieve strength, color, and lubrication. According to one aspect, the power may have four main components, including a Bulking Agent, a Hardener, a Color, and a Lubricant.

Abstract: A foldable stringed instrument having an actuator system that serves to selectively loosen and tighten the strings to fold and unfold the stringed instrument for storage/travel and play, respectively, as well as a mid-neck hinge to enable symmetrical folding of the stringed instrument. Optional cavities may be provided in the body of the stringed instrument for weight reduction and/or receiving sustain modules configured to modify the sustain of the stringed instrument depending upon the weight and/or material properties of the sustain modules.

Abstract: Kinetic-powered battery systems for musical instrument that can build a charge based on some or all of the physical motion exerted upon the musical instrument. This physical motion can arise from any conceivable activity, including (but not limited to) handling, travel activity, playing the musical instrument and/or intentionally shaking the musical instrument to build a charge prior to use. The kinetic rechargeable power system for musical instruments has application in any conceivable musical instrument, including (but not limited to) acoustic and electric instruments, wireless transmitters or microphones or any related sound reinforcement equipment currently using batteries and subject to movement in travel, setup, use, or intentional movement to create sufficient charge.

Abstract: An actuator system for a foldable stringed instrument (for example, a travel guitar). The actuator system serves two primary function: 1) to selectively retract and extend a ram rod used to unlock and lock a mid-neck hinge of the foldable stringed instrument.

Abstract: A pitch changer system for a string musical instrument, including a lever assembly, a rotating saddle assembly, a swing plate, and a lever tensioning assembly. Applying force to move the lever in a first direction forces a bell crank matingly coupled to the lever into rotation such that a coupling system of the lever tensioning assembly causes the swing plate to force a rotating saddle of the rotating saddle assembly into rotation to elongate and thereby temporarily change the pitch of a string coupled to the rotating saddle.

Abstract: A pitch changer system for a string musical instrument, including a lever assembly, a rotating saddle assembly, a swing plate, and a lever tensioning assembly. Applying force to move the lever in a first direction forces a bell crank matingly coupled to the lever into rotation such that a coupling system of the lever tensioning assembly causes the swing plate to force a rotating saddle of the rotating saddle assembly into rotation to elongate and thereby temporarily change the pitch of a string coupled to the rotating saddle.

Abstract: An actuator system for a foldable stringed instrument (for example, a travel guitar). The actuator system serves two primary function: 1) to selectively retract and extend a ram rod used to unlock and lock a mid-neck hinge of the foldable stringed instrument.

Abstract: A composition and methods for the manufacturing, repair, maintenance and improvement of the nut and saddle of a stringed musical instrument. The composition is a powder configured to be used in nut and saddle slots to create lubricated, durable, aesthetically pleasing, color matched repairs and adjustments. The composition includes multiple substances to achieve strength, color, and lubrication. According to one aspect, the power may have four main components, including a Bulking Agent, a Hardener, a Color, and a Lubricant.

Abstract: A pitch changer system for a string musical instrument, including a lever assembly, a rotating saddle assembly, a swing plate, and a lever tensioning assembly. Applying force to move the lever in a first direction forces a bell crank matingly coupled to the lever into rotation such that a coupling system of the lever tensioning assembly causes the swing plate to force a rotating saddle of the rotating saddle assembly into rotation to elongate and thereby temporarily change the pitch of a string coupled to the rotating saddle.

Abstract: A pitch changer system for a string musical instrument, including a lever assembly, a rotating saddle assembly, a swing plate, and a lever tensioning assembly. Applying force to move the lever in a first direction forces a bell crank matingly coupled to the lever into rotation such that a coupling system of the lever tensioning assembly causes the swing plate to force a rotating saddle of the rotating saddle assembly into rotation to elongate and thereby temporarily change the pitch of a string coupled to the rotating saddle.

Abstract: A pitch changer system for a string musical instrument, including a lever assembly, a rotating saddle assembly, a swing plate, and a lever tensioning assembly. Applying force to move the lever in a first direction forces a bell crank matingly coupled to the lever into rotation such that a coupling system of the lever tensioning assembly causes the swing plate to force a rotating saddle of the rotating saddle assembly into rotation to elongate and thereby temporarily change the pitch of a string coupled to the rotating saddle.

Abstract: A pitch changer system for a string musical instrument, including a lever assembly, a rotating saddle assembly, a swing plate, and a lever tensioning assembly. Applying force to move the lever in a first direction forces a bell crank matingly coupled to the lever into rotation such that a coupling system of the lever tensioning assembly causes the swing plate to force a rotating saddle of the rotating saddle assembly into rotation to elongate and thereby temporarily change the pitch of a string coupled to the rotating saddle.

Abstract: A pitch changer system for a string musical instrument, including a lever assembly, a rotating saddle assembly, a swing plate, and a lever tensioning assembly. Applying force to move the lever in a first direction forces a bell crank matingly coupled to the lever into rotation such that a coupling system of the lever tensioning assembly causes the swing plate to force a rotating saddle of the rotating saddle assembly into rotation to elongate and thereby temporarily change the pitch of a string coupled to the rotating saddle.

Abstract: A pitch changer system for a string musical instrument, including a lever assembly, a rotating saddle assembly, a swing plate, and a lever tensioning assembly. Applying force to move the lever in a first direction forces a bell crank matingly coupled to the lever into rotation such that a coupling system of the lever tensioning assembly causes the swing plate to force a rotating saddle of the rotating saddle assembly into rotation to elongate and thereby temporarily change the pitch of a string coupled to the rotating saddle.

Abstract: A musical instrument pitch changing apparatus for a musical instrument having at least a first and second string is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bender lever pivotally secured to the musical instrument, a rocker arm pivotally secured to the instrument with a bender saddle for varying the tension in the first string in response to movement of the bender lever between the first and second positions. A mount secures the rocker arm and bender saddle to the first selected string in a first bending configuration or to the second selected string in a second bending configuration. The rocker arm and bender saddle is movable between the first selected string and the second selected string of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A pitch changer system for a string musical instrument, including a lever assembly, a rotating saddle assembly, a swing plate, and a lever tensioning assembly. Applying force to move the lever in a first direction forces a bell crank matingly coupled to the lever into rotation such that a coupling system of the lever tensioning assembly causes the swing plate to force a rotating saddle of the rotating saddle assembly into rotation to elongate and thereby temporarily change the pitch of a string coupled to the rotating saddle.

Abstract: A musical instrument pitch changing apparatus for a musical instrument having at least a first and second string is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bender lever pivotally secured to the musical instrument, a rocker arm pivotally secured to the instrument with a bender saddle for varying the tension in the first string in response to movement of the bender lever between the first and second positions. A mount secures the rocker arm and bender saddle to the first selected string in a first bending configuration or to the second selected string in a second bending configuration. The rocker arm and bender saddle is movable between the first selected string and the second selected string of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (“GUI”) defined cursor displacement tool is provided for use on a touch-sensitive display or screen of a computing system. The GUI defined cursor displacement tool includes a first portion defining a cursor control handle, a second portion defining a cursor tip, and an offset visibly separating the cursor control handle and the cursor tip. The control handle is operable to synchronously move about the touch-sensitive screen with the cursor tip, at the offset from the cursor tip, to interact with screen graphics displayed on the touch-sensitive screen.