Abstract: The present invention provides a modular ash storage system designed for integration into the body of an acoustic guitar, allowing for the secure and discreet storage of cremated remains. The system includes a cap assembly configured to fit into the sound hole of the guitar, featuring a flexible lip to ensure a snug and removable fit, and an interior threaded section for connecting to an ash container. An attachment component is affixed to the interior surface of the guitar body and includes a mounting point to which the ash container is securely attached. The ash container is lightweight and suspended within the interior of the guitar to prevent interference with the instrument's acoustic properties. The modular design allows for easy installation and removal without requiring permanent modifications to the guitar, offering a meaningful and discreet method of memorialization while preserving the instrument's aesthetic and functional integrity.

Abstract: A universal guitar chord learning system comprising a plurality of chord cards, each having a thin, flat body configured for removable insertion between the strings and fretboard of a guitar without interfering with string vibration. The chord cards include fret-engaging notches arranged along peripheral edges, adapted to securely attach to guitar frets of varying spacings and dimensions, thereby providing universal compatibility with various guitar models. Chord identifying information and finger placement markers are disposed on the body of each chord card. In use, a selected chord card is inserted between the strings and fretboard, engaging the fret notches with the guitar frets, allowing the user to play the chord with the card in place to facilitate learning through visual and auditory modalities.

Abstract: A dual pick plectrum for strumming a stringed instrument comprises a first pick having a first gauge and a first inner face, and a second pick having a second gauge different from the first gauge and a second inner face. An adhesive pad is positioned between and attached to the first and second inner faces, separating the picks by approximately 1 mm to 3 mm. The picks are 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm thick and approximately triangular in shape. The adhesive pad, constructed from materials such as foam, cork, wood, plastic, or metal, is positioned opposite a point of the triangular picks. The dual pick plectrum enables the creation of a greater variety of tonal qualities when strumming compared to traditional single pick designs.

Abstract: A plectrum, comprising: a first pick configured for strumming a stringed instrument; an adhesive pad; and a second pick configured for strumming a stringed instrument, wherein the adhesive pad is positioned between the first pick and the second pick and wherein the adhesive pad is attached to the inner face of the first pick and the inner face of the second pick.

Abstract: An orthodontic aligner includes a shell that defines a tooth cavity. The tooth cavity is configured to receive a patient's tooth and has an edge that defines an opening. An integral hook extends outwardly from wall portions of the shell adjacent the tooth cavity and is spaced occlusally apart from the edge. The integral hook has a side wall that defines an interior space and includes a window. The interior space opens to the tooth cavity. The window extends through the side wall so that the interior space is accessible. The window can be sized to interfere with insertion of an elastic band. A system for orthodontic treatment includes an attachment. The integral hook is configured to receive the attachment. The attachment is accessible through the window. The attachment may not fill the interior space. A method of manufacturing the orthodontic aligner includes preparing a mold including a hook mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates a rotatable play body suitable for a children's game consisting of a freely rotatable swing body (S) arranged between two mutually opposite disc-shaped side caps (K1) and (K2), wherein the swing body (S) exhibits an outer shell (M) and a centred ball bearing (L), the first disc-shaped side cap (K1) exhibits an outer edge (R1), an outer face (F1) and, on the inner face (I1), a first centred extension (P1), the opposite second disc-shaped side cap (K2) exhibits an outer edge (R2), an outer face (F2) and, on the inner face (I2), a second centred extension (P2), and the extensions (P1) and (P2) are suitable for engaging in the swing body (S), wherein the disc-shaped side caps (K1) and (K2) are movable at the outer edge (R1) and (R2) towards the freely rotatable swing body (S) in order to fix the freely rotatable swing body (S) in its position.

Abstract: The present invention relates a rotatable play body suitable for a children's game consisting of a freely rotatable swing body (S) arranged between two mutually opposite disc-shaped side caps (K1) and (K2), wherein the swing body (S) exhibits an outer shell (M) and a centred ball bearing (L), the first disc-shaped side cap (K1) exhibits an outer edge (R1), an outer face (F1) and, on the inner face (I1), a first centred extension (P1), the opposite second disc-shaped side cap (K2) exhibits an outer edge (R2), an outer face (F2) and, on the inner face (I2), a second centred extension (P2), and the extensions (P1) and (P2) are suitable for engaging in the swing body (S), wherein the disc-shaped side caps (K1) and (K2) are movable at the outer edge (R1) and (R2) towards the freely rotatable swing body (S) in order to fix the freely rotatable swing body (S) in its position.

Abstract: A virtual music lesson system including a student computer associated with a student, a teacher computer associated with a teacher, and an application in wireless communication with both the student computer and the teacher computer, having a plurality of audio drivers, a user interface having a student portal and a teacher portal, and at least one downloadable item, where the student and the teacher at remote locations participate in an integrated music lesson by connecting an instrument to the student computer and the teacher computer, wherein the teacher communicates with the student via the application, where the communication is configured to include video communication, and where the application is configured to permit the teacher, through the teacher computer, to transmit the at least one downloadable item to the student and, through the student computer, to download the at least one downloadable item in real time.

Abstract: A virtual music lesson application having a plurality of audio drivers to receive instrumental and vocal audio inputs and outputs, a low-latency audio mixer to mix the instrumental and vocal audio inputs and outputs, and a user interface having a student portal and a teacher portal, allowing a student and a teacher in remote locations to participate in an integrated music lesson.

Abstract: A virtual music lesson application having a plurality of audio drivers to receive instrumental and vocal audio inputs and outputs, a low-latency audio mixer to mix the instrumental and vocal audio inputs and outputs, and a user interface having a student portal and a teacher portal, allowing a student and a teacher in remote locations to participate in an integrated music lesson.

Abstract: A toner having a high strength magnetite in an amount of from about 10 to about 40 weight percent, wherein the magnetite includes a material selected from the group consisting of FeO, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, gamma iron oxides, cobalt-gamma iron oxides, and mixtures thereof, and further including a developer having a carrier and toner as just described.

Abstract: A carrier composition having magnetite with a diameter of from about 80 microns to about 150 microns, and wherein the carrier has a conductivity of from about 10?8 to about 10?11 (ohms-cm)?1 and a carrier breakdown voltage of from about 20 to about 200 volts, and a developer composition with toner and this carrier composition, and also including a developer housing apparatus and an electrostatographic apparatus comprising the developer housing apparatus.

Abstract: Toners including a low melt wax and a carnauba wax are described. The toners include at least one binder, at least one colorant, at least one wax having a melting point of 135° C. or less, and a compatibilizer wax (e.g., carnauba wax). The low melt wax is preferably polyethylene wax. Images may be formed with the toners in an image forming process including steps of depositing the toner onto a latent image of an imaging member to form a toner image, transferring the toner image to an image receiving substrate, and fusing the toner image. During the fusing, the at least one wax and the compatibilizer wax exude from the toner, forming a stripping enhancing layer upon the toner image. Thus, fuser roll stripping performance is enhanced.

Abstract: A developer composition comprising a magnetic toner and a mixture comprised of bare carrier core particles free of a coating and coated carrier particles, and wherein said bare carrier core particles are present in an amount of from about 50 weight percent to about 90 weight percent, and said coated carrier particles are present in an amount of from about 50 weight percent to about 90 weight percent, and wherein the total thereof is about 100 percent.

Abstract: Magnetic toner compositions, conductive developer compositions, and methods for producing images in a hybrid jumping development system, more specifically, in a magnetic ink character recognition system, are disclosed. The developer compositions contain coated magnetic toner particles and coated carrier particles. The toner compositions include a resin, colorant, wax, magnetic component, and surface additives of coated silica, titania, and zinc stearate.