Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resilient, C-shaped rail clamp wherein rod-shaped material is clamped tight at one end and starting from the clamped end the rod is deformed into the desired shape by a movement of a roller towards the free end while exerting local pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming tube components from a length of tube includes a transport clamp (34) mounted for controlled movement in a first and a second direction along a predetermined path (30). The tube is clamped within the transport clamp (34) when the transport clamp is moved in the first direction thereby drawing the tube along the predetermined path (30). Adjustable switches (42, 44) cooperate with the transport clamp (34) for controlling the forward and rearward movement of the transport clamp (34). A forming clamp (90) is mounted in the predetermined path for selectively clamping the tube when the transport clamp (34) is moving in the second direction. A cutoff assembly (96) operates to cut the tube into severed tube pieces. A tube forming assembly (92) is selectively positionable within the predetermined path for forming the end of the tube. Intermediate switch structure (56) is adjustable relative to the adjustable switches (42, 44) for controlling the operation of the forming assembly (92).

Abstract: A blind riveter has a T-shaped housing whose one T-arm forms a working tip provided with a reciprocal internal chuck, whose other arm is formed as a hollow compartment, and whose central T-leg incorporates a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder can displace the chuck to pull the mandrel of a blind rivet, thereby pulling the rivet back against the tip to upset the rivet. A passage extends from the chuck back into the compartment. The cover of the compartment is formed with a jet pump that is powered off the pneumatic supply that operates the riveter and serves to suck a mandrel pulled from a rivet back from the chuck into the compartment.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for straightening automobile bodies comprising two longitudinal main beams, each telescoping in length, connected to each other by two telescoping transverse beams; two end bars slideably and telescoping attaching to the end of the main beams; a plurality of cross beams which removeably but rigidly attach to the main beams at a multitude of points; each main beam having thereon a plurality of tie downs; each cross beam being equiped with a plurality of load pads operated by hydraulic jacks; and the end bars also operated by hydraulic pads; the entire apparatus being assembled by pins for easy quick assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: Both junctions of a thin film thermocouple are formed on one side of a glass substrate. That side of the substrate is exposed to the diesel engine oil the soot content of which is to be measured. A light source on the other side of the substrate has its radiation directed through the substrate to a location at one of the junctions so that the light is absorbed by the oil adjacent that junction to a degree determined by its soot content. The temperature of the oil and the adjacent junction are increased by an amount dependent on the soot concentration and the thermocouple output is therefore a measure of the soot concentration in the engine oil.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring leakage from a liquid containing tank comprises a main body portion suspended from a balance arm or other mass displacement detector and has a liquid holding portion in the main body. The cross-sectional area of the liquid holding portion is essentially equal to the cross-sectional area of the main body portion in contact with the liquid in the tank. This arrangement enables evaporation losses to be compensated.

Abstract: A cylinder gripping apparatus having a jaw, a body and a floating interfacing assembly having a curved surface bearing against an opposing surface or groove, the interfacing assembly being operable to generate a proportional gripping force in response to an axial force upon the cylinder to be gripped. The jaw is not connected to the body. The interfacing assembly is operable to permit a transverse displacement of the jaw.

Abstract: The test apparatus detects pressure changes in a vessel containing a volume of a contaminated industrial liquid and a volume of gas. The apparatus includes a detector having a housing defining a chamber. A pressure transducer having a flexible, pressure-transmitting wall is mounted in the chamber. A passageway fluidly communicates between a port in the housing and the transducer. In one embodiment a needle housing is removably coupled to the port. A hollow needle is adapted to pierce a stopper in the vessel. The vessel remains continuously sealed during and after the pressure test. Pressure changes in the gas of the vessel are transmitted through the needle and the passageway to the transducer. The transducer converts such pressure changes into corresponding electric signals which are indicative of the density of organisms in the liquid contained in the vessel.

Abstract: A strain meter includes first and second blocks clamped to a rotating shaft with a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) rigidly affixed to the first block and a displacement arm rigidly affixed to the second block. A LVDT core is attached to one end of the displacement arm and disposed to be movable without contact through the center of the LVDT. A flexible cable is connected between the displacement arm and the LVDT to control the radial position of the LVDT core. A vertical stabilizing bar is connected between the blocks and includes a cutout section adjacent the second block to allow for necessary flexibility for the second block to follow shaft motion. Information signals generated by the LVDT are telemetered off the shaft to a receiver.

Abstract: A pneumatic power tool having a torque sensing control system is disclosed which is capable of consistently applying a precise torque to a fastener so that uniform tightening of any number of fasteners can be obtained. A torsional strain responsive transducer is mounted internally in the tool body and includes a strain gauge network mounted on a torsionally resilient portion of one of the gear cases of the drive train of the tool, the gear case being subject to a reaction component of the torque being transmitted through the drive train. The strain gauge network provides a control signal which effects energization of a solenoid-actuated air shut-off valve in the handle of the tool to automatically terminate the operation of the tool when a predetermined torque is obtained at the output spindle. The control system permits adjustment of the torque output of the tool and provides a visual readout of such output.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring forces acting upon a bearing, particularly the radial forces, effective at a roller bearing. The measuring apparatus essentially comprises two rings, typically formed of metal, which are concentrically interconnected by means of a web. The roller bearing transmits the force to be measured to one of the rings, whereas the other ring is fixed. The one ring rocks or moves in relation to the fixed ring and the deformation prevailing at the web is electrically measured and indicated in a display or indicator device. The measuring apparatus serves for measuring the tension in belts, bands, and the like.

Abstract: A wind tunnel in which high energy laser beam impingement studies can be ducted such that beam distortion and degradation is substantially precluded. Uniform, low turbulence flow in which thermal blooming, creation of wakes is substantially eliminated is attained by providing an improved elongated cylindrical settling chamber having a gradual turning radius. A transverse aerodynamic window is located in the low velocity flow turning region of the settling chamber which allows the entry of the laser beam and the exhaust of a turbulent sonic free-jet constituting 10 percent of the total fluid flow through the wind tunnel.

Abstract: A positive displacement gas meter includes a two-piece composite center casting. The first piece is a center chamber casting which has a lower cylindrical wall partially defining the center chamber and an upper manifold portion defining passages to front and rear chambers defined by diaphragms and front and rear covers secured to the center chamber casting. The second piece comprises a valve chamber manifold casting which mounts to the top of the center chamber casting and defines openings registering with the openings to the front and rear chambers. The valve chamber manifold also partially defines a center chamber and defines an opening thereto, and further at least partially defines an exhaust passage having a collection end adjacent the openings to the chambers and leading to an outlet end. A valve seat having a sliding valve cover is mounted to the valve chamber manifold casting, and a top casting fits thereover and is secured to the valve chamber manifold casting.

Abstract: A capacitance type fuel quantity gauge for an aircraft fuel tank including a probe capacitor whose capacitance varies in accordance with the level of fuel in the tank with a Lo-Z oscillator connected to the probe capacitor together with a pair of diodes for producing a DC output signal which is fed to signal processing circuitry, the diodes being disposed in a metal enclosure for isolation from interfering signals and the interconnecting leads to the diodes passing through feedthrough capacitors to block the entry of such interfering signals into the metal enclosure.

Abstract: A hand shower and temperature indicating unit is provided. The unit includes a shower head consisting of a water chamber having a perforated water outlet surface, a rigid water conduit section serving as the handle for said unit and integrally attached at one end thereof to a side surface of said chamber and having at the free end thereof means for attachment to a water supply line and a liquid crystal temperature indicating means positioned within a compartment formed by a recess in and extending along a wall surface of said unit wherein said compartment includes an interior heat transfering wall positioned along the flow path of the water passing through said unit and in contact therewith.

Abstract: A temperature detecting device comprises a temperature detecting element such as a thermistor for sensing temperature changes and a MOS-transistor connected in series with the temperature detecting element. A constant voltage source maintains a constant reference voltage. A voltage comparing circuit compares the voltage across the MOS-transistor or the voltage across the temperature detecting element with the constant reference voltage during periods when the MOS-transistor is turned ON and produces an output signal representative of the temperature. A plurality of MOS-transistors can be used in which case they are connected in parallel with each other and are connected in series with the temperature detecting element.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/SE79/00099 Sec. 371 Date Dec. 24, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Dec. 21, 1979 PCT Filed Apr. 24, 1979 PCT Pub. No. WO79/00981 PCT Pub. Date Nov. 29, 1979An aspirator for air sampling, the air samples being sucked into a glass vessel for a certain period of time. The aspirator can be carried in a pocket, for example, by the one whose working environment is being analyzed. In a casing there is disposed a replaceable cylinder (2) with associated plunger (4). The plunger is intended to be pulled in by a motor unit (12) and gearbox, arranged adjacent the cylinder (2), the unit (12) rotating a drum (8) onto which is wound a string. The other string end is fixed, via a pulley (7), to the spring-loaded plunger (4). When air has been sucked in to a sufficient amount, the opening (3) of the cylinder is closed and the plunger can be released from the string and the spring, which is possible since the plunger is only magnetically retained (4).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting elastomeric material into volumetric elastomer samples is disclosed. These volumetric samples may be reproduced at identical mass for precision testing purposes. The volumetric samples are reproducible for such precision purposes by the use of a volumetric adjustment mechanism which determines the volume of the cavity into which elastomeric material is compressed before cutting. The apparatus also has a moving cutting mechanism with a contoured cutting area, which in combination with the volumetric adjustment apparatus, removes deleterious air bubbles and other deformities prior to cutting the elastomeric material. The volumetric adjustment apparatus is housed within a die apparatus, which has a damping mechanism to permit complete manipulation of the elastomer prior to cutting the elastomer into the volumetric plug. After the cutting of the plug has occurred, the ejection apparatus pushes the volumetric plug from the cavity whereupon another cycle is begun.

Abstract: The integrity of mine roofs and rock bolts is tested by determining the natural frequencies of the roof and bolt. The roof is struck at a plurality of locations and the resulting vibrations sensed with accelerometers. The output of each accelerometer is separated into a plurality of signals of different frequencies by a comb filter having selected band passes. The amplitude of the outputs of each of the band passes of the filter are used to determine the condition of the roof and bolt adjacent each accelerometer. The high amplitude signal resulting from the initial impact of the striking implement is electrically gated from the accelerometer output.

Abstract: A method of testing rotary bodies, such as balls, for ball bearings, in which the body on a layer of a coupling liquid is subjected to ultrasonic waves transmitted through the ultrasonic liquid and the reflections are measured and displayed. According to the invention the bodies are freely movable in a seat while being immersed in the liquid and jets of the liquid open tangentially into the region between the body and the seat and are intermittently pulsed so that the body undergoes multiaxial rotation.

Abstract: Equipment is disclosed which serves to trace B-scan section displays of specimens and comprises a sound transducer head, which is oscillated by a scanning mechanism and projects sound beams, which scan the section to be displayed. The echoes which originate in response to these sound beams are displayed on a fluorescent screen at locations which are associated with the locations at which said echoes have originated. The sound transducer head comprises two sound transducers, the axes of which in the plane in which they are oscillated include an angle which is not in excess of the angular range of oscillation. As a result, the pitch with which the section to be displayed is scanned by ultrasonic beams is decreased and/or the angular velocity of the sound transducer head may be decreased.

Abstract: An array of ultrasound transducers for pulsed sector-scan operation includes a plurality of transducer elements disposed on an arc of a circle and oriented to emit and receive ultrasound radiation in the direction of the center of the arc. A group of adjacent transducers within the array is active for each ultrasound pulse. The position of the group in the array is incrementally shifted along the arc, one transducer at a time, to effect scanning. The inherent focussing effect of a curved group of transducers is compensated with time delays or a negative lens to provide a parallel, sector-scanned radiation beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining the farfield directional pressure intensity of a sonorous source placed in a fluid medium from pressure measurements taken in the nearfield of the source is disclosed. An acoustic antenna is placed in the nearfield of the source to map the acoustic pressure nearfield. The antenna consists of either a single receptor, or of two separate receptors, one fixed in position to define the direction and the other variable in position over the acoustic antenna. Each receptor is comprised of two oppositely facing parallel planar arrays of acoustic detectors separated by a predetermined distance. The detectors are arranged in each array in a predetermined matrix. The detector signals from both arrays are processed by either of two different methods, an additive or a multiplicative method, to obtain the farfield directional pressure intensity of the source.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter in which the fluid to be metered is conducted through a flow tube formed of nonmagnetizable metal and provided with an inner lining of electrical-insulating material. The fluid intercepts a transverse electromagnetic field established in the tube whereby the voltage induced in the fluid is transferred to a pair of electrodes disposed at diametrically-opposed positions on the tube to yield a signal indicative of flow rate. The electromagnet is constituted by at least one solid core surrounded by a coil to which a low-frequency excitation current is applied, the core having a cavity in a region therein which serves to reduce the mass of the core without, however, significantly affecting the intensity of the magnetic field produced thereby.

Abstract: A vortex shedding flowmeter is provided with a unitary obstacle element for shedding vortices and response element reacting to forces produced by the shedding vortices. A cylindrical element may be used for omni-directional measurement capability, with a pair of strain gauge bridges arranged in quadrature to provide a linearly variable frequency output proportional to flow velocity. Electronic circuitry transforms the frequency signal to an analog amplitude signal proportional to flow velocity. Sample and hold circuitry maintains a stable output under transient loss-of-input signal conditions.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter is provided and comprises a tubular and cylindrical housing constructed of a transparent material and having an upper axial end, a lower axial end and defining an interior fluid chamber therebetween. A fluid inlet is fluidly connected to the lower end of the chamber while a fluid outlet is fluidly connected to the upper end of the chamber. At least one and preferably several flow responsive members are disposed and freely moveable within the interior of the fluid chamber. The members have a density greater than the density of the fluid flowing through the flow meter but are vertically displaceable within the interior chamber in an amount proportional to the fluid flow rate through the flow meter. The density and surface area of the members can be varied as desired in order to provide for different flow rates and flow ranges.

Abstract: Structural elements of an inertial sensor are fabricated from molded plastic materials. The structural elements are characterized by relatively, small cross-section areas, and further incorporate keys and keyways, as well as guide and alignment slots, molded into the elements for coupling various structural elements.

Abstract: A first carriage, which is arranged to vertically reciprocate within a first housing, is provided with two air clutches and a continuously moving chain. The chain is arranged to move over co-planar spaced sprockets so as to present one direction of chain motion to the left side of the carriage and a second direction of chain motion to the right side of the carriage. The carriage is also provided with two chain engaging sprockets each controlled by a respective one of two air clutches. The chain engaging sprockets on the carriage normally idle with chain motion. However, actuation of one of the controlling air clutches halts the spinning of its associated sprocket and forces the sprocket and clutch to act as a unit to thereby move the carriage upwardly or downwardly along the length of the chain in a direction dependent upon which portion of the continuously moving chain was so engaged. Means are provided to automatically reverse the stroke, to vary the length of the stroke and to vary the speed of the stroke.

Abstract: A mechanism for driving a movable body including a movable body reciprocatingly movable along guide members, a member for driving said movable body reciprocatingly, a wire for connecting the movable body with the driving member, a tension member arranged in a slack portion of the wire during the time of advancing movement of the movable body and elastic means for providing a strong or a weak tension force to the tension member, the weak tension force being applied to the tension member during advancing movement of the movable body and the strong tension force being applied to the tension member during returning movement of the movable body.

Abstract: To provide a surface of wear-resistant material on the start lever of a lever assembly for a fuel injection pump control apparatus, a headed bolt of hardened, wear-resistant material is punch-pressed into a plate-like portion of the lever being engaged by a positioning element so that continuous movement of the positioning element with respect to the lever will not wear out the engagement surface and thus change a preset position of the positioning element with respect to the engagement surface of the lever, while permitting the lever to be made of a material suited for its purpose without regard to the particular surface characteristics of the engagement surface with the positioning element.

Abstract: A transmission system including two axially spaced torus discs or rotors, one serving as an input and the other as an output and between which there is a set of circumferentially spaced drive rollers in frictional rolling contact with part toroidal surfaces on the discs, each roller being mounted in a bearing structure which can tilt about an axis at right angles to the axis of rotation of each roller to vary the distances from the gear axis at which the roller engages the two discs respectively to vary the ratio of the gear, means being provided for moving each roller bearing structure generally tangentially of the gear axis, and arranged to apply a force to said structure in a direction non-parallel with respect to the plane which is perpendicular to the gear axis and there being means for accommodating the effective movement of the roller bearing axes relatively to the gear axis in a direction parallel to the gear axis.

Abstract: A speed reducer gear box comprising input, intermediate and output shafts rotatably mounted in a gear case. A hydraulic motor or the like is connected to the input shaft and is adapted to rotate the same. The intermediate shaft has a helical gear mounted thereon which is in mesh with a gear tooth portion on the input shaft whereby rotation of the input shaft by the hydraulic motor causes rotation of the intermediate shaft. A helical gear is also mounted on the output shaft for rotation therewith and is in mesh with a gear tooth portion on the intermediate shaft. A flywheel is mounted on the input shaft for rotation therewith to provide inertia to stabilize and to smooth out the operation of the gear box.

Abstract: A three axes controller comprises a support platform in which a first carriage is mounted for movement in a first direction fore and aft of a first neutral position. A second carriage is mounted on the first carriage for movement in the direction of a second axis fore and aft of a second neutral position. A third carriage is mounted on the second carriage for movement in the direction of a third axis fore and aft of a third neutral position. Centering springs are provided for centering each carriage with respect to its neutral position. The first, second and third axes are orthogonally arranged and have a common origin when the carriages are in their neutral positions. A control lever is supported by a gimbal mounted on the first carriage at a point spaced from the proximal and distal ends thereof and a universal joint is provided at the distal end of the control lever for mounting the distal end on the third carriage.

Abstract: A universal adaptor linkage for connection between the transmission and the shift or linkage rod associated with the gear selector lever of an automobile comprising a lower linkage portion having at least one hole therein for selective connection to the shift or linkage rod, a center linkage portion having a hole therein for connection to the gear shift control valve trunnion of the transmission, a transverse linkage portion for connecting the upper end of the lower linkage portion to the lower end of the center linkage portion, an upper linkage portion extending upwardly from the center linkage portion and having at least one hole therein for selective connection to the shift or linkage rod, and an upper transverse linkage portion extending between the upper end of the center linkage portion and the lower end of the upper linkage portion.

Abstract: A rotating element such as a grinding-wheel sleeve rotatably mounted on a stationary central shaft is provided with a plurality of annular balancing chambers which communicate permanently with a source of oil under pressure by means of a common calibrated constriction and with a source of compressed air by means of individual screw-type regulating pintles, each chamber being also connected to a return duct through a constriction.

Abstract: A power train infinitely variable from substantially 1:1 ratio to a very high ratio, employing a pair of planetary gear assemblies, each including a sun gear, a ring gear and a planetary carrier having at least one planetary gear operatively connecting the associated ring and sun gears, the planetary gear assemblies having different gear ratios, both planetary assemblies having their sun gears rotatable by a driving member, a driven member operatively connected to the planetary carrier of the assembly of higher ratio, the ring gears being constructed for rotation as a unit, and the planetary carrier of the assembly of lower ratio being variably connectible with the driving member, whereby the overall ratio between driving and driven members is variable in dependence upon the relative speed of the driving member and the planetary carrier of the lower ratio assembly.

Abstract: A controlled start speed reducer in which input and output shafts are axially aligned with one another in an outer housing and an inner housing is journaled in the outer housing coaxially with said shafts. A relatively small bearing is used between said inner and outer housings at one end and a relatively large bearing is disposed between said inner and outer housings at the other end. The inner housing contains a plurality of counter shafts with gears thereon connecting a pinion on the input shaft with a gear on the output shaft to transmit the torque between the two shafts. A disc brake is rigidly connected to the inner housing and rotates therewith, and a caliper head or other suitable element restrains the rotation of the disc to control the starting operation of the reducer.

Abstract: A speed reduction unit in which an input shaft and an output shaft, coaxial with respect to one another are rotatably supported by an outer casing enclosing a face gear connected to the said output shaft, a bevel gear facing said first gear and coupled therewith, and connection means between said bevel gear and said input shaft, the number of the teeth of the said two gears differing from one another by at least one tooth; bevel gear being inclined with respect to said face gear, and being centrally supported inside said casing by means of a ball joint support in order to oscillate relative to the said casing and said face gear about a point of the common axis of the said two shafts.

Abstract: Optimum fuel consumption in an internal combustion engine driving a hydrostatic transmission having a continuously variable gear ratio is achieved by first applying the signal derived from the gas pedal directly to the transmission ratio regulator and, secondly, by controlling the fuel consumption of the engine in response to the gas pedal signal as follows: first, the signal from the gas pedal is multiplied by a signal signifying the output speed of the transmission. The so-formed desired power signal is applied to a storage which furnishes a desired engine speed signal in response thereto. The desired speed signal is compared to the actual engine speed and the resulting error signal, after amplification and integration, is applied to a unit controlling the fuel supply of the engine.

Abstract: A quickly adjustable ratchet wrench is essentially a crescent wrench modified by eliminating the adjusting screw and substituting a locking member and a lever to engage and disengage the locking member with the rack on the movable wrench jaw. A tension spring lightly biases the movable jaw toward closed position. With the locking member disengaged from the rack, the movable jaw may be manually opened, and when the movable jaw is released the light spring bias closes the jaws on a bolt head. When the wrench jaws are engaged with a bolt head, rotation of the lever arm in one direction engages the locking member with the rack to turn the bolt, while rotation of the lever arm in the other direction disengages the locking member and permits the jaws to open against the light spring bias and slip over the angles of the bolt head; thus eliminating the need to remove and replace the wrench on the bolt head. The lever is pivoted substantially on the line of movement of the movable jaw.

Abstract: A lathe comprising a rotor assembly which may be manually rotated and which has a peripheral portion around which moist pottery clay may be packed. A first cutting member can be mounted on a tool support for the lathe and used to cut grooves into the clay generally to the depth at which the surface of the object will be formed, whereupon a second cutting member with a continuous edge can be mounted on the tool support and used to cut away the clay ridges and shape the finished surface on the object. The object is then allowed to dry, which releases it from the rotor assembly.

Abstract: An attachment to a rotary blade power saw (either hand-held or belt-driven) which allows said saw to be utilized in conjunction with any of the commonly available workbenches (such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,615,087 and sold by The Black and Decker Manufacturing Company of Towson, Md., as the "WORKMATE" all-purpose Work Center and Vise), which workbenches consist of a pair of elongated vise members mounted on a supporting structure such that one or both of the elongated vise members are moveable relative to the other, to yield the equivalent, with attendant benefits, of a common table saw.

Abstract: A paper cutter assembly for use in combination with a supported roll of paper. The assembly, comprises a displaceable stationary single-strand cutter wire member that is positioned under and across the width of the paper roll, and a movable paper-cutting assisting subassembly that includes a pulley member disposed on the cutter wire member, and a handle member that is removably connected to the pulley member. When the pulley member is pulled by the operator toward himself and across the width of the unrolled paper with the use of the handle member, the cutter wire member is displaced toward the operator, the unrolled paper is cut in a straight and clean condition across its width, and is severed from the rest of the roll of paper in a quick and safe manner by the movement of the displaced wire member.

Abstract: A guide for use with a powered hand saw for making controlled cuts in a workpiece at an infinite number of angles. The guide includes a pair of parallel spaced rails, a pair of carriages slidably mounted on the rails, and for each carriage, a clamping assembly for clamping the guide onto a workpiece. Each clamping assembly includes an arm having an inner end swingably mounted on the associated carriage. Each carriage also includes disengageable stop-lock mechanism for locking the associated clamping-assembly arm in a preselected angular position relative to the carriage. Provided on each arm is a pointer for pointing at angular position markings on the associated carriage.

Abstract: A manual volume control device for an electric guitar having a pinion gear attached to the shaft of the volume control. A rack is slidably mounted relative to the surface of the guitar for meshingly engaging the pinion gear. A handle member is coupled at one end thereof to the rack with the other end of the handle member extending to the strumming area of the guitar and configured for grasping by the hand of the guitarist for linearly actuating the volume or tone control to produce a violin type tone during playing of a musical piece.

Abstract: A tone synthesizer for generating a musical tone where harmonic content can be varied with time to produce unique sound effects. This is accomplished by generating waveform data in time sequence, delaying the waveform data by a time interval that is variable, and subtracting the delayed data from the waveform data to provide a modified sequence of waveform data which is then converted to an audio wave.

Abstract: A toy including a music playing device therein capable of playing various musics by exchanging a removable rotary means. The toy comprises a toy body, an electronic musical scale generating means having a sound selecting means corresponding to the sounds composing the musical scale, a speaker, a rotary means rotatably and removably mounted in the toy body, a mechanism for turning the rotary means, and a means for operating the sound selecting means provided on the surface of the rotary means. The electronic musical scale generating means is adapted to produce electrical signals of the sounds corresponding to the sound selecting means upon operating the sound selecting means. The rotary means is disposed adjacently to the sound selecting means so that the means for operating the sound selecting means may operate the sound selecting means to play a predetermined music as the rotary is rotated.

Abstract: In a bridge for stringed instruments of the type including a base member, a plurality of drums, and means connecting the drums to the base member in end-to-end relationship for independent lateral movement in two orthogonal directions to separately adjust the length and height of each string, there is disclosed an improved construction wherein the strings are conducted into engagement with the drums so as to apply an axial force to each of the drums to urge all of the drums axially into contact with each other and the first drum into contact with a fixed abutment on the base member.

Abstract: An electronic tuning device provides four different modes of operation. In a first mode, the device sounds one of a plurality of internally generated audio frequency pitch standards that is manually selected by an operator for audible comparison with a note played on the instrument to be tuned. In a second mode, the manually selected, internally generated frequency pitch standard is compared with the note played on the musical instrument to be tuned and any deviation in frequency is visually displayed by a beat frequency indicator. In a third mode, the device automatically tracks an incoming note played on the musical instrument, compares such note with the internally generated frequency pitch standards and sounds the pitch standard that is closest in frequency to the incoming note.

Abstract: A programmable music instrument comprises an indicator for indicating a particular tone having a clef and a relevant scale on a screen, a liquid crystal display, and an electrochromic display cell or the like. A series of input keys is provided for providing digital information defining a musical note, the number of which corresponds to that of the notes in an octave. An octave changing member is employed for selecting a desired tone. The indicator is operated to indicate a selected stave for the particular tone. The octave changing member comprises a switch operated in a relationship with the screen. It may comprise a driver circuit for the liquid crystal display, the electrochromic display cell or the like.