Abstract: An acoustical device is provided in the form of a stringed musical instrument having a hollow resonant body. A speaker is coupled to the resonant body so that the speaker generally overlays the strings of the musical instrument. A power supply is mounted to the instrument for powering the speaker. A sound processing device is provided for receiving at least one of a first sound signal that is generated from the strings of the musical instrument and a second sound signal. The sound processing device generates an output signal to the speaker from at least one of the first and second sound signals. The sound processor has at least one non-overall-volume sound effect generating function.

Abstract: A pair of brushes respectively slidably engage radially outer surfaces of first and second electrically conductive rings which are disposed co-axially and are rotatable about their common axis. The first ring surrounds an axial portion of the second ring and is electrically insulated therefrom by a thin layer of insulating material, while the second ring is mounted on a rotary shaft and is electrically insulated therefrom similarly by a thin layer of insulating material. The second ring may be axially stepped so that it has a smaller diameter portion which is surrounded by the first ring and a larger diameter portion which is engaged by the respective brush.

Abstract: A starter motor for an internal combustion engine includes a shaft rotated by an electric motor, a pinion gear wheel carried by the shaft the gear wheel being rotated with the shaft and axially movable relative thereto between an operative position and a rest position, and an electro-magnet for moving the pinion from its rest position to its operative position. The electro-magnet includes an armature which is coupled to the pinion gear wheel, and which is guided for movement parallel to the shaft. First and second electro-magnet poles are spaced apart around the shaft and are spaced from the armature in the rest position of the armature in the direction of movement of the armature.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pole claw member for a dynamo electric machine comprises in a first embodiment forming a serrated longitudinal edge in a ferrous strip and bending the serrated strip to form a cylinder with the serrations extending axially. The ends of the strip are then secured together by welding, rivetting or by a tang and aperture connection to produce a coronet form. The coronet form is then deformed in one or more, preferably three, die forming steps to produce the desired shape of claw and to define an annular base at the end of the cylinder.In an alternative embodiment, the coronet form is produced by punching out portions of a previously formed tube and is then deformed as in the first embodiment.