Abstract: A method and apparatus for string load reduction and real-time pitch alteration on stringed instruments. A string load is substantially reduced with a camming surface actuator so that the pitch can be rapidly manipulated by an input force which is generated by human power or an electronically controlled motor. Various types of camming surfaces are provided as well as a load optimization calculation which determines the shape of a variable ratio camming surface. Multiple embodiments are described including a constant force pitch alteration device, a motorized control system with pitch compensation and real-time tracking of string pitch to multiple relative input signals, a control signal generator based on real-time position measurement of a control object relative to an electromagnetic radiation sensor, and methods for generating mechanical looping, vibrato, and polyphonic chorus effects which can be automated or dynamically controlled by a user. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: Disclosed is the preparation of very high molecular weight polyamide, e.g., nylon, filaments, as indicated by such filaments exhibiting a very high Relative Viscosity (RV) value. Such filaments can be used to prepare polyamide staple fibers which are especially useful for industrial applications such as in papermachine felts. The filament preparation process involves a melt phase polymerization (MPP) procedure, optionally carried out in combination with a solid phase polymerization (SPP) procedure. Both of these procedures serve to increase the molecular weight and hence the RV of the polyamide filaments produced. These procedures are conducted under selected controlled conditions which permit realization of polyamide filaments of about 2 to 100 denier and which have RV values of greater than about 190. Such filaments also exhibit excellent tenacity and tenacity resistance properties.

Abstract: An interlocking photovoltaic module mounting system that provides a one piece, integrated photovoltaic module frame portion that is directly mountable to a support structure and interlocks with separate adjoining photovoltaic module frame portions. The apparatus includes a frame member for enclosing the perimeter of a photovoltaic module, having an inside surface and outside surface, with the inside surface including a recess for capture of the panel. The frame member outside surface includes at least one interlocking means for affixation to the complementary outside surface of an adjacent frame-member. The frame member includes a height-adjustable foot portion for supporting the frame member on a roof, so that adjacent frame members may be interlocked to form an array, and the foot portion may be adjusted to level the formed array on the roof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to industrial high relative viscosity (RV) filaments, such as, for use in papermaking machine felts and other staple fiber applications. The invention is further directed to apparatus and processes for solid phase polymerization (SPP) of polyamide flake suitable for use, such as, in remelting and then spinning the industrial high RV filaments. The invention is also directed to processes for melt phase polymerization (MPP) of molten polymer for making the filaments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to industrial high relative viscosity (RV) filaments, such as, for use in papermaking machine felts and other staple fiber applications. The invention is further directed to apparatus and processes for solid phase polymerization (SPP) of polyamide flake suitable for use, such as, in remelting and then spinning the industrial high RV filaments. The invention is also directed to processes for melt phase polymerization (MPP) of molten polymer for making the filaments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to industrial high relative viscosity (RV) filaments, such as, for use in papermaking machine felts and other staple fiber applications. The invention is further directed to apparatus and processes for solid phase polymerization (SPP) of polyamide flake suitable for use, such as, in remelting and then spinning the industrial high RV filaments. The invention is also directed to processes for melt phase polymerization (MPP) of molten polymer for making the filaments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to industrial high relative viscosity (RV) filaments, such as, for use in papermaking machine felts and other staple fiber applications. The invention is further directed to apparatus and processes for solid phase polymerization (SPP) of polyamide flake suitable for use, such as, in remelting and then spinning the industrial high RV filaments. The invention is also directed to processes for melt phase polymerization (MPP) of molten polymer for making the filaments.

Abstract: An electromagnetic horn has a diaphragm, tone disc, spacer and mass which are clamped together between an abutment shoulder and an annular rib on an internally screw-threaded sleeve, the annular rib being produced by deformation of the sleeve after the aforesaid parts have been mounted on the latter. A screw-threaded rod extending from the armature is engaged in the sleeve. Tuning of the horn can be effected by rotation of the rod without the need either to release and then retighten any locknuts or to deform the body. For ease of assembly of a contact breaker assembly into the horn body, a first arm carrying a first contact is mounted at one of its ends in the body. A second arm carrying a second contact is mounted on the first arm but is electrically insulated therefrom. The second arm has an extension abutting a contact stud fixed in the body. An adjuster is engaged with the other end of the first arm. The second arm can be assembled on the first arm before securing of the assembly in the body.