Abstract: An improved device for tuning a string of a musical instrument includes a string post which is axially movable relative to a housing. A clamp assembly inside the string post grips a portion of the string. The string post is then moved axially to tension the string. A single tuning knob is utilized to perform the dual functions of actuating the clamp assembly to grip the string and moving the string post axially to tension the gripped string. When the tuning knob is in an extended position, a socket type clutch interconnects the tuning knob and a clamp screw. Rotation of the extended tuning knob rotates the clamp screw to grip the string. When the tuning knob is in a retracted position, the clutch between the tuning knob and the clamp screw is disengaged and a drive connection between the tuning knob and the string post is engaged. Rotation of the retracted tuning knob causes the drive connection to move the string post axially to tension the string.

Abstract: An improved tuning device for a string of a musical instrument includes a string post having an opening at one end to receive the string. In order to tune the string, a worm and pinion are manually actuated to rotate the string post. In accordance with a feature of the invention, a passage extends axially through the pinion and at least part way through the string post. In one embodiment of the invention, a clamp is provided in the passage to grip the string. In another embodiment of the invention, the string itself is pulled through the passage. In both embodiments of the invention, the string is manually pulled taut before actuating the worm and pinion to rotate the string post and tune the string. This enables the string to be quickly and easily tuned by turning the string post through less than one revolution. Since the string post is turned through less than one revolution, less than one complete turn or coil of the string is wrapped around the string post.

Abstract: An improved device for tuning a string of a musical instrument includes a rotatable shaft having one end connected with the string. A pinion gear is connected with the opposite end of the shaft and is disposed in meshing engagement with a worm. The worm is rotatable about its central axis to effect rotation of the pinion gear and shaft with a resulting loosening or tightening of the string. The shaft is held against axial motion by deforming a portion of a housing into an annular groove in the shaft. The shaft is held against sidewise movement by engagement of a cylindrical surface area of the housing with the outside of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved device for adjusting and maintaining the tension in a string of a musical instrument. The string may be tuned to a first pitch by turning a first knob. This actuates a string post through a series of reduction gears to achieve extremely precise tuning of the first pitch. Then the string may be tuned to a second pitch using a second knob. When adjustable stops have been locked in place, the instrument's tuning may be conveniently and repeatably changed from the first pitch to the second pitch and back again. The reduction gearing provides a smaller change in string tension when the first input knob is turned a given amount than when the second knob is turned the same amount. The device is housed in an aluminum housing which is formed from extruded metal bar stock. A pin projects from the housing to secure the device against rotation with respect to the instrument.

Abstract: An improved device for tuning a string of a musical instrument includes a rotatable shaft having one end connected with the string. A pinion gear is connected with the opposite end of the shaft and is disposed in meshing engagement with a worm. A handle is provided to rotate th worm about its central axis to effect rotation of the pinion gear and shaft with a resulting loosening or tightening of the string. An adjustment member is provided to vary the meshing relationship between the worm and pinion gear to eliminate backlash and obtain a desired pressure relationship between the gear teeth. In one embodiment of the invention, the adjustment member is effective to shift the pinion gear relative to the worm. In another embodiment of the invention, the adjustment member is effective to shift the worm relative to the pinion gear.

Abstract: An improved loader mechanism is used with a machine tool having a chuck which is operated between opened and closed conditions and a bar feed mechanism having a feed gripper which is also opened and closed. The loader mechanism is operable to transfer one piece of bar stock at a time from an intermediate station to a loading station while simultaneously transferring another piece of bar stock from a magazine to the intermediate station. After a piece of bar stock has been moved to the loading station, the piece of bar stock is registered relative to the feed gripper and chuck by activating a compensating cylinder to press the leading end of the piece of bar stock against a stop member. When the stop member has been moved out of the way of the registered piece of bar stock, a main cylinder is activated to push the registered piece of bar stock into the open feed gripper and chuck.