Abstract: A key-operated locking mechanism for the keeper of a zipper closure for a bank bag or the like, in which the keeper swings fully between the closure and release positions about an axis which is parallel to the axis of the zipper. In addition, the keeper and housing for the locking mechanism are provided with cooperating latch means which permits closure of the keeper, independently of any locking means.

Abstract: A closure lock system comprising a lock assembly, a lock actuator for locking or unlocking the lock assembly and a lock circuit including a reed switch which when closed by a magnet of a key causes the lock actuator to lock the lock assembly.

Abstract: A latchbolt slide extension for a cylindrical lockset which comprises a spring-loaded latch and a cylindrical body. The slide extension is connected to the spring-loaded latch and the cylindrical body so as to make such cylindrical lockset with a shorter backset latch to be installed to a door with a larger backset.

Abstract: A bending apparatus is provided for rectangular tubes. The apparatus comprises a bending die, a wiper die, a clamp die, a pressure die and a mandrel. The clamp die and pressure die are provided with tongues which are engageable in corresponding grooves in the bending and wiper dies. The tongues and the clamping and pressure surfaces of the respective dies are dimensioned to enable the rectangular tube to be bent about either of its two axes by placing the tube on either of the opposed sides of the respective tongues. The tongue of the pressure die is movable to facilitate the tangential advancement of the pressure die under the action of a booster for urging the tubing into the bend. The mandrel includes a plurality of movable blocks. A plurality of springs interconnect the blocks to facilitate alignment. The blocks are mounted to a replaceable head which can be removed and replaced when worn. The mandrel includes channels for lubrication.

Abstract: A supercompact rolling group (10) with rolls supported at one end. Vertical (11) and horizontal (12) units are arranged alternately or as necessary. Each unit (11-12) is driven by an independent motor (25-23) through a transmission (34) on parallel axes. A rolling line has at least one supercompact rolling group (110-210) constituted as above.

Abstract: The rolls of a rolling mill can be axially moved by way of an actuator device equipped with piston-and-cylinder units. The bearing blocks which receive the journal ends of the rolls to be moved are horizontally guided in separate guide bodies. The guide bodies, in turn can be shifted vertically in cylinder blocks arranged at the flanks of the windows of the respective base member, or in pressure plates associated with such cylinder blocks. The actuator device is characterized by a compact design which even during exchange of rolls is contained in the confines of the roll stand, and it can be easily coupled to the rolls to be moved. The guide bodies of at least one base member are formed with lateral projections at which are mounted the motive power providing hydraulic cylinders, and these are connected in such a way that the piston rods thereof point in the direction of the guide bodies.

Abstract: Double-stem type extrusion method and apparatus used for extrusion-molding rod-like and tubular products. In order to upset a solid or hollow billet (5, 5A) supplied to a container (1), the end of the container (1) which is on the side of a press stem (6) is closed with a blistering-preventing cover (11) which is not moved relatively to the container (1). A pressure is then applied to the billet (5, 5A) from the side of a die (8) to start the yield deformation thereof from the same side thereof. As the yield deformation movement of the billet (5, 5A) progresses, the air existing between the inner surface of the container and billet (5, 5A) is discharged from the portion of the container (1) which is on the side of the cover (11).

Abstract: A box-like frame member is formed by compressing an internally-pressurized tubular blank within a die having a cavity conforming to the final box-like cross section desired for the product, and increasing the pressure to exceed the yield limit of the wall of the blank to expand the blank into conformity with the die cavity. The blank is selected so that the final product and the die cavity have a circumference preferably no more than about 5% larger than the circumference of the blank, to avoid weakening or cracking of the blank through excessive circumferential expansion. The internal pressure forces the blank evenly into the corners of the die on closing and allows the blank to be confined within the die without sections of the die pinching the blank on closing of the die.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated tool for setting blind rivets of the type having a body, a head and breakaway pull mandrel. The tool comprises a body having a double-acting cylinder therein, a handle attached to the body, a guide body affixed to the body beneath the cylinder, a pull track in the guide body for the rivets and a bore in the body connecting the cylinder and the pull track, the cylinder, the bore, and the pull track being coaxial. The tool is provided with a rivet pickup and pull mechanism comprising a lower load piston having a downwardly depending tubular assembly slidable within the body bore and pull track and terminating in a nose piece, and an upper pull piston having a downwardly depending tubular assembly telescopicly and shiftably located within the lower load piston tubular assembly and terminating in a chuck provided with mandrel-engaging jaws. The tool has a magazine connected to the guide body and containing a strip of rivets.

Abstract: Off-highway trucks generally rely on a suspension system which employs a plurality of gas-over-liquid type struts. These struts are critical to proper operation of the vehicle such that a single collapsed strut can have serious manifestations in structural damage, tire wear, and payload monitor accuracy. These consequences can be mitigated by an accurate and reliable strut monitor. Pressure type sensors are disposed on each of the struts and their pressure is monitored during three critical phases of operation. These phases include static, loading, and roading modes and each mode requires a distinct method for detecting a collapsing strut. The presence of a collapsing strut, detected by any of the three methods, is communicated to the vehicle operator whereby operation can be immediately suspended. The system avoids the serious consequences of vehicle operation with a collapsed strut by providing the operator with immediate and positive feedback on the condition of the struts.

Abstract: When determining the bubble point or the largest pore of a membrane or of a filter material, the membrane or the filter material is placed in a container, with the membrane or the filter material thus dividing this container into two compartments. Then, the first compartment is filled with gas, and the second compartment and the pores of the membrane (or the filter material) are filled with a wetting liquid. The pressure in the gas compartment is raised at least until the gas displaces the liquid from the largest pore. The bubble point is defined by means of the gas-compartment pressure then prevailing, or the cross-sectional dimension of the largest pore can be calculated. According to the invention, the gas-compartment pressure corresponding to the bubble point is determined by measuring a sudden increase in the sound intensity in the liquid compartment. The measurement of the sound intensity is preferably carried out in the ultrasonic range.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for detecting a wear limit or break in a cutting edge of a machine tool. At least two conductor paths are embedded in the cutting material forming the cutting edge, one of the conductor paths being part of a closed circuit while the other is part of an open circuit. A signal serving to break off the machining process is produced if either the conductor path disposed in the circuit is interrupted or the open circuit is closed by the creation of a conductive connection between the two conductor paths.

Abstract: The vibration of an end mill (36) is sensed by either microphones (42, 44, 46) or accelerometers (78, 80, 82). A time domain signal is produced by these sensors which is converted into a near-real time frequency spectrum. A certain frequency band in the spectrum is directly related to end mill vibration and certain frequencies in the band will change in amplitude corresponding to certain types of end mill wear. When any of the amplitudes in the band exceed a certain threshold limit the end mill is known to be dull.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for detecting maximum cylinder pressure angle in an internal combustion engine. A crankshaft angle sensor detects a piston reference position such as top dead center (TDC) and the maximum cylinder pressure angle is obtained by measuring the interval between the reference position and the position at which pressure in the cylinder becomes maximum. Non-firing of the engine is detected and the position at which the motoring pressure occurring during non-firing becomes maximum is deemed to be the actual top dead center. The actual top dead center is used for correcting the output of the crankshaft angle sensor, enabling accurate detection of the maximum pressure angle. As the output error of the crankshaft sensor is substantially linearly proportional to the engine speed, the output error can be approximated as its average value or as a value obtained by interpolation.

Abstract: A cylinder pressure sensor output compensation method for an internal combustion engine comprises the steps of determining the occurrence of a non-combustion state of engine operation, detecting the motoring cylinder pressure at this time, calculating a correction value (deviation) by comparing the detected motoring cylinder pressure with a reference value, and using this correction value to correct the sensor output during combustion of the engine. The method can be effectively applied to compensate for errors in sensor output due to variances in sensor characteristics from the time of manufacture or due to degradation through use.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the probable direction of extension of a hydraulically induced fracture in a hydrocarbon bearing formation wherein prior to inducing the fracture, the formation region to be fractured is heated and thermally induced acoustic emissions from the formation are sensed to determine the orientation of the maximum and minimum horizontally directed in situ compressive stresses based on the acoustic emission rate and/or intensity. A device including a microwave energy generator and an array of acoustic transducers is lowered into a wellbore to generate and measure the thermally induced acoustic emissions.

Abstract: A flow sensor on a thermally insulating substrate is provided with improved thermal conductance and ruggedness to hostile environments. The flow sensor includes a pn junction temperature sensing element on the substrate, a layer of dielectric material, which provides electric isolation and physical protection, covering the pn junction element, and a thin film heating element covering the dielectric layer and being in close thermal contact with the pn junction element.

Abstract: A device for electrical measurement of the level of a fluid contained in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle is disclosed. In addition to a variable resistance float sensor in a dip tube, a travel sensor is arranged in the dip tube to determine the distance between the dip tube and the bottom of the tank in order to offset measurement errors caused by tolerances in the manufacture of the tank and resultant differences in the mounting position of the dip tube in the tank. The travel sensor includes a spring load rod extending to the bottom of the tank and a variable resistance connected to the rod to produce a calibration value.

Abstract: A vibrating multisensor, each using two accelerometers which are vibrated along straight lines perpendicular to their sensing axes. The sensing axes are co-linear, the accelerometers are vibrated in phase opposition along parallel axes. The accelerometers preferably use a proof mass and flexure suspension made on a silicon wafer sandwiched between two other wafers that carry electrodes both for sensing displacement and forcing of the central accelerometer wafer.

Abstract: A vibrating multisensor, each using two accelerometers which are vibrated along straight lines perpendicular to their sensing axes. In one embodiment, the sensing axes are co-linear, and in another embodiment the sensing axes are perpendicular. The accelerometers preferably use a proof mass and flexure suspension made on a silicon wafer sandwiched between two other wafers that carry electrodes both for sensing displacement and forcing of the central accelerometer wafer.

Abstract: In a method of flaw classification on and in welds of planar or arcuate plate-shaped workpieces of uniform thickness by means of ultrasonics, the expected flaw areas of the workpiece are pre-examined manually and are then examined systematically using the ultrasound echo image method in separate cross-sectional planes. A B-scan is thus generated, and changing the position of the transducer on the workpiece and/or the transmitting direction enables defects to be located by calculating the delay time of ultrasound waves in the go-and-return directions within the workpiece under consideration of possible reflections at the rear side (8) of the workpiece. For defining the test conditions, part-specific parameters are considered, such as weld type and weld shape (e.g., double-V-weld and bell seam), weld geometry (e.g. seam angle), and part characteristics (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for examining a circumferential surface of each of a plurality of tubular members disposed in axially parallel relationship with each other has a rail adapted to extend between adjacent tubular members; a truck movable on and along the rail, a support frame having mounts at each end tiltably mounting the support frame on the truck for tilting around an axis extending along the rail, and a tilting mechanism connected to the support frame for tilting the support frame. A semi-circular shaped beam is mounted on the support frame for rotation around an axis through the center of the circle on which the semi-circular shaped beam lies and open laterally of the rail, and a sensing element is disposed at a predetermined position on the semi-circular shaped beam.

Abstract: A triple material piezoresistive gage provides multi-component elastic stress or measurements. Thin foils of three piezoresistive materials, e.g. ytterbium, manganin, and constantan, are configured in a nested serpentine rectilinear grid or other grid arrangement and embedded in a medium, preferably normal to the direction of shock wave propagation. The output of the gage is a resistivity change history for each material of the gage. Each resistivity change is independent of the others so that three diagonal components of the elastic stress or strain tensor can be calculated from the resistivity measurements.

Abstract: A system is provided for determining the pressure exerted on an object passed between two rollers. The system comprises a sensor of pressure-sensitive material and a transmission/receiving device for generating an ultrasonic wave in the sensor and then detecting the reflected pulse received by the sensor. The time difference between the transmission pulse and the pulse received by the sensor is related to the pressure exerted on the object in the nip. Preferably, the sensor consists of a laminated film comprising in sequence: a first layer of electrically conducting material; a layer of polyvinylidene fluoride; a second layer of electrically conducting material having detector regions; a layer of dielectric material; and a third layer of electrically conducting material.

Abstract: A force measuring device of unitary design comprising a beam provided with force sensitive elements supported on a base plate by support elements at a closed distance, the support elements being housed in recesses provided at bottom surface of said beam and a top surface of said base plate. Since the support elements are integrated in said beam no separate support elements are necessary for supporting said force measuring device such that lateral forces are compensated.

Abstract: A sampler for communicating with the interior of a vessel containing a liquid extracts a liquid sample of predetermined volume from the vessel and conveys the same to a point of collection. The sampler includes a body having a bore, the forward end of which is in communication with the interior of the vessel, along with front and rear plungers reciprocable within the bore under positive independent control. The plungers are movable away from and toward each other to establish and collapse a sample chamber therebetween. To obtain a liquid sample, the plungers are removed forwardly to project the front plunger out of the bore and place the sample chamber into communication with the vessel interior, whereupon the sample chamber is established for being filled with liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water sampler and method for dropping the water sampler from an airplane to obtain a sample of water from a body of water; the water sampler comprising a tubular member with ball valves at both ends and an open ended canister disposed between the ball valves, a line connected between the airplane and the tubular member for yanking the tubular member through and from the water, the yank of the line being used to move the ball valves from an initially open position to a subsequently closed position, the canister thereafter being capped and removed.

Abstract: A kick type starting device for an engine, comprising a drive clutch body operatively connected to a kick axle of a kick pedal such that when the kick pedal is actuated engaging thrust and rotary torque are given to the driving clutch body, and a driven clutch body provided on an engine crank shaft and brought into engagement with the driving clutch body when the latter is advanced by the engaging thrust, wherein when the kick pedal returns to its resting position in a state where the driving and driven clutch bodies are engaged, a cam mechanism provided between the kick axle and the driving clutch body is actuated to cause the driving clutch body to be disengaged from the driven clutch body so as to cut the transmission of the reverse torque from the crank shaft to the kick axle.

Abstract: Engine starter gearing of the positive shift dentil type clutch with a resilient member to absorb the torsional loads on the starter gearing upon its engagement, the starter gearing having a sleeve member with a straight spline on its inside surface and a helical spline on its outside surface whereby torque is imposed on a driving clutch member, the driving clutch member having an inside surface with a notch therein, a lock ring being positioned in the notch and engaging the sleeve member to fixedly position the sleeve member with respect to the driven clutch member.

Abstract: A device for generating a unidirectional force comprises a rotary body carrying around its periphery a plurality of pivotal pendulum masses mounted on shafts parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotary body. As the body rotates the masses are moved inwardly to a retracted position by a cam surface and then are free to swing outwardly at an abrupt end of the cam surface. Each pendulum mass is associated with a leaf spring which rotates with the rotatable body and carries a roller on an outer end thereof for engaging a side of the pendulum mass so as to bias the pendulum mass back to the retracted position. The spring thus acts to control the flinging movement of the pendulums as they move outwardly and to gradually return them to the retracted position for reengagement with the cam surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for turning over a workpiece, such as a metal stamping, including a turnover shaft. A pneumatic piston and cylinder rotates the turnover shaft in a cammed rate of motion from an initial position to a final position. A vacuum-operated workpiece support is rotated with the turnover shaft and is adapted to engage a metal stamping to swing it with the turnover shaft. The workpiece support is connected by a gear box to the turnover shaft in such a manner that as the workpiece is swung to an upside down position, it is also rotated about a second axis with respect to the turnover shaft.

Abstract: A variable ratio traction drive employing a set of geometrically skewed axis drive balls mounted in an input carrier and captured between a split outer ring. An alteration of the axis skew angle of the balls causes a turns ratio change in the traction drive.

Abstract: A cylindrical gear unit which includes a gear housing, a gear pinion and a gear wheel, the gear pinion being fixed to a shaft which is rotatably journalled in bearings supported by at least one bearing support. One of the bearing supports comprises a sleeve in which a roller bearing is fixedly mounted, a fixing plate supported by the gear housing, as well as a disc-shaped rib portion which interconnects the sleeve and the fixing plate. The rib portion extends substantially along the entire length of the sleeve and the fixing plate and is substantially parallel to a tangential plane on the contact line between the gear pinion and the gear wheel. In addition, at least one stop face for the sleeve is arranged at a small distance from the outside of the sleeve on at least that side of the sleeve facing away from the gear wheel.

Abstract: Face-gear transmissions have been used hitherto only for secondary applications, with little running hours and low loads. They form a type of underdeveloped angle transmissions. When analyzing said underdevelopment, it was surprisingly found that well-known gear theory had not been applied correctly. Especially the teeth-tip-height can be increased considerably in the region where the face-gear teeth have increased pressure angles, resulting in considerably increased loading capacity and meshing quotient, all based on meshing cooperation with standard cylindrical gears with either straight (spur) or helical teeth. The angle between the transmission shafts may be 90.degree., less or over, the shafts may intersect or cross.

Abstract: The end of a robot arm includes two links, a first or inner link supported rotatably about a central axis and an end link on which a tool is carried. Located between the links are a ring and a tube whose longitudinal axes are concentric. Each of four gimbal rings is used as a member of a universal joint that connects the links, the ring and the tube. The links are connected by two universal joints in series, and the ring connects these joints. The links are also connected by two other universal joints in series and the tube connects this second pair of joints. The first and second pairs of universal joints connected in series are connected to one another in parallel. Gimbal rings rotatably supported on the tube and on the links for angular movement about the yaw axis provide rotational support for the links and the connecting rod about the pitch axis. Actuating rods connected to the inner set of gimbal rings produce articulation of the wrist about these axis when the rods are actuated.

Abstract: A lever shifting device for a bicycle is provided with a positioning mechanism comprising a positioning member having a plurality of engaging portions and an engaging member engageable with one of the engaging portions. A friction mechanism has friction portions, so that the positioning mechanism and friction mechanism can be switched to each other. The engaging portions and friction portions are disposed in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of an operating lever, but radially displaced from each other.

Abstract: A manipulator module comprises an arm bearingly mounted on an axle, confined between left and right adjustable stops with a suitably completed fixing surface. On the arm are stationary mounted hard stops with slits, charged with helical cylindric springs. The springs contact the adjustable stops when the arm approaches the respective stop. Onto parallel guideways, formed by the stationary stops with slits, roll the extreme bearings of a three bearing bearings block, the intermediate bearing of which contacts the fixing surface of the respective stop while the mover is at "on" position. When the arm has reached the stop and has deformed the spring, the "fix" mover is actuated, the arm is fixed to the stop and the energy lost during the arm's movement is added.

Abstract: The transmission system especially for automobile vehicles comprises an input gearbox (P) and a main gearbox (B) disposed between an input shaft (E) and an output shaft (S) and interconnected by an intermediate shaft (M). The transmission system comprises a series of numerous progressively distribution forward running ratios and a simple control system. Reverse running is obtained by means of the input gearbox (P), which enables gear ratios of the same order to be obtained in reverse running as in forward running and further provides a supplementary forward running ratio at the top of the series of ratios. A gearing down mechanism (TL) may be added to the main gearbox (B) to widen the range of transmission ratios in both directions.

Abstract: A planetary system suitable for amplification of horse power by a single or multi-stage arrangement from a rotary power source. In a stage provided are three axially concentric elements, whose axes define the system axis, a braked reaction gear and two non gear elements that rotate at the same angular speed, the input carrier and the output lever. Driven by and on the carrier is an iso-planet whose gear element meshes with the reaction gear and whose non-gear element, a free floating rim isolated from the rotation of the gear around its center and carried around the system axis is adapted to mate with and drive the output lever in specifically selected position on the system radius that is radially perpendicular to a point of large tangential force of the torque on the momentary driven radius of the iso-planet gear element. Output lever driven by a large force renders a larger torque and therefore power than the power applied.

Abstract: A hybrid hydraulic and electronic control valve system for an automatic, multiple-speed motor vehicle transmission having a torque converter with a lockup clutch and change-speed gearing adapted for four forward ratios and one reverse ratio, a converter lockup clutch control valve in conjunction with a lockup clutch shift valve adapted to control the lockup clutch and an electronic control module for superseding the action of the lockup clutch shift valve.

Abstract: A method of securing hard-metal, insert type, rock cutting teeth into the supporting structures of rock bits is described, wherein the thermal expansion characteristics of the materials of the supporting structure, and of the hard-metal teeth, with widely differential temperatures, are relied upon to relatively enlarge the dimensions of undersized retention bores formed by and within the supporting structure with respect to the dimensions of insertable rock cutting teeth, thus permitting insertion of the rock cutting teeth into the undersized retention bores. Subsequent equalization of the temperature of the assembly will tightly retain such teeth within the retention bores.

Abstract: A ratcheting hydraulic torque wrench in which the lever arm is provided with a tracking arm guided within a channel in a wrench body. The tool head is divided into a ratcheting portion containing roller drive pins, and a notched portion to allow access to pipe flange nuts.

Abstract: A foldable gripping tool has compound folding handle assemblies including channel shaped handles and handle extensions which may be folded into nested relationship with each other, and folded over the gripping jaws of the tool to enclose the jaws into a compact nested assembly. The handle extensions provide a broad smooth surface to be grasped and squeezed by the user's hand. The handle extensions include integral tools such as a can/bottle opener and screwdrivers. The tool also includes tool blades such as a knife blade and a screwdriver/file blade, independent of the handle extensions, which are also foldable into the channel shaped handles and handle extensions.

Abstract: A generally U-shaped attachment of resilient sheet metal is adapted to be axially captured relative to the drive shank and wrench socket of a socket wrench assembly so as to extend along opposite sides of the socket and then inwardly of the fastener receiving opening in the wrench socket to releaseably retain the head of the fastener therein during application or removal of the fastener from a mating part. The inwardly extending portions of the attachment provide cam surfaces which facilitate reception, retention and removal of a fastener head from the wrench socket opening.

Abstract: A wax ring pattern machining tool which enables a goldsmith to create a precision machined wax ring pattern for subsequent casting in precious metal by the lost wax process. The machining operations on the ring pattern are carried out while the pattern is still a part of a wax ring preform tube. The machining tool may be employed to create circumferential grooves or channels on the exterior of the ring pattern or to reduce the diameter of the ring tube or otherwise shape it circumferentially. An indexing function is provided for securing the tool in a fixed radial position, permitting the use of a faceting tool for creating flat or beveled surfaces on the exterior of ring. Upon completion of the exterior design of the pattern, the tool is employed to size the ring and separate the ring pattern from the ring tube preform.

Abstract: The method and apparatus provide for transversely separating and laterally trimming or finishing continuously passing strips in processing lines for strip material, such as metallic strip. The strip is first severed in transverse direction and immediately thereafter is trimmed at the sides thereof. The time required for adjusting the lateral shears is approximately equal to that of the coil exchange operation leading to the time gained, and stoppages of strip in the operating stages are precluded.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of and apparatus for punching apertures in the walls of square sectioned steel tube. An elongated square sectioned mandrel is supported horizontally by and is connected at a rear end to roller decking so that a square tube can be fed onto the mandrel and can be used to feed the tube off the mandrel step by step, while between steps the tube is punched at the front end of the mandrel by a punch die on a punch head which moves laterally of the mandrel and into a punch recess in the mandrel. The punch head also has a guide pin which engages a guide recess in the mandrel before the punch die engages the punch recess to ensure that the punch die and punch recess are accurately aligned and that the apertures will be evenly spaced along the length of the tube.

Abstract: A method of cutting a piece of pipe from a length of pipe in a cutting plane by gripping the length of pipe directly adjacent the cutting plane and displacing the piece of pipe with respect to the length of pipe in the cutting plane, comprises applying a radially outwardly directed and a radially inwardly directed pressure against the length of pipe and the piece of pipe in the cutting plane and at both sides thereof, simultaneously applying an axial pressure, the pressures generating a stress amounting to at least 70% of the yield point of the material of the pipe, and maintaining the pressures during the entire cutting operation. A device for carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a rotary machining tool and a method of making it using an easily replaceable cutter element assembly. A circular saw is exemplary of a cutting tool which can be made using the present invention. The cutter element assembly comprises two portions. The first is an inverted, generally U-shaped clevis with spaced apart side portions that fit over the circumferential edge of a sawplate. The clevis has an upper portion which extends outwardly from the sawplate edge thereby defining a tooth retaining socket between the sawplate edge and the clevis. The side portions of the clevis are apertured to accept a pin for attachment to the sawplate which has a corresponding aperture. A buttress attached to the clevis normally bears against the leading edge of a gullet and prevents rearward rotation when in use. The second member is an insertable tooth having a head and an elongated tapered shank. The shank has a taper on its upper surface sufficient to form a self-releasing taper, usually between 3.

Abstract: A drum pedal device for immediately and accurately triggering and controlling a synthesizer. The device includes a movable pedal, which can be a foot pedal, an actuation device which actuates a transducer to supply an electrical signal to the synthesizer upon movement of the pedal, and a resisting mechanism which resiliently resists overtravel movement of the pedal after the transducer is actuated. The resisting mechanism opposes the movement of the pedal with increasing force as the overtravel movement of the pedal progresses. The foot pedal can be pivotally mounted on a base and the device can have a biasing mechanism for controlling and imparting bouncing and rocking motion to the foot pedal.