Abstract: This disclosure relates to a crimp head for a crimp machine particularly suited for crimping hose and fitting assemblies, the head comprising two die halves which are movable on a line of movement toward and away from each other. Each of the die halves comprises a web and a support for the web, and each web forms a plurality die guideways. The head further comprises a set of substantially identical dies, half of the dies being slidably mounted in the guideways of each web. The halves are movable on the line between an open position wherein a fitting to be crimped may be mounted on a fitting axis between the halves, and a crimp position wherein the halves close together and crimp the fitting. The fitting axis is substantially perpendicular to the line of movement of the halves, and the dies are movable in the webs radially of the axis. Each half further comprises a pusher having a V-shaped surface for engaging the dies and pushing them against the fitting.

Abstract: A transfer feed mechanism, for use in a power press, is disclosed. The feed mechanism comprises multiple finger units for moving successive workpieces along a plurality of different axes so as to transfer the workpieces to desired work stations in desired positions and attitudes. The feed mechanism includes a power takeoff from the main drive of the power press, a plurality of drive means connected to the power takeoff for driving the finger units along the different axes in synchronism with the power press, and a secondary drive motor for driving the finger units along at least one of the axes independently of the power takeoff. The drive means includes at least one differential mechanism connected to both the power takeoff and the secondary drive motor to permit the finger units to be selectively driven by either the power takeoff or the secondary drive motor.

Abstract: A tubular housing is provided with a conductance sensitive gas detector. Air is drawn by a fan through the housing at a constant rate as the gas detector is traversed across a land area to be studied for reservoirs of hydrocarbon material. The detector is attached to the outside of the vehicle. An output signal from an oscillator whose output frequency varies in response to changes in resistance across two spaced electrodes in the sensor is provided to a recorder within the vehicle. The output frequency is correlated with parts per million of hydrocarbon gas so that meaningful reading can be obtained. An RC timing network with a parallel resistance arrangement with the electrodes provides large changes in oscillator frequency in response to small changes in resistance across the plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating fluid leaks within a fluid channel such as a gas leak within a pipe line. This apparatus detects the leak by detection of sound waves created by the leaking fluid. The apparatus utilizes a sound transducer which picks up the noise of the leak. Only the ultrasonic portion of the noise is desired with the audible range to be eliminated. Eliminating of the audible range is by subtracting a reference signal from the noise produced signal. The resulting output signal is amplified and supplied to an annunciator. The annunciator can take the form of either or both an audio annunciator or a visual annunciator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and installation for on-line analysis of a liquid product by liquid phase chromatography, the device for carrying out the process including a sampling and treatment probe disposed within the product and a chromatograph associated with the probe. An eluate detector disposed remote from the chromatograph and a monitoring unit takes into account the variations of appearance of a noteworthy peak with respect to the same peaks of an earlier chromatogram.

Abstract: A method for quantifying the volume of oil in the fluids produced by solvent extracted sponge core distills only a portion of the solvent from the solvent/oil mixture, then determines and subtracts the remaining solvent volume to yield the actual volume of oil removed from the sponge.

Abstract: A direct-heated gas-flow measuring apparatus including a measuring tube disposed in the gas stream, a film resistor for generating heat and detecting the temperature thereof, and a feedback control circuit for controlling the heat generated by the film resistor so that the temperature of the film resistor is a predetermined value. Provided at least at the upstream side of the film resistor near thereto is a shield for reducing the accumulation of deposits on the film resistor. The shield and the film resistor have substantially the same thickness to satisfy the condition:l/t.ltoreq.50where l is a distance therebetween and t is a thickness thereof.

Abstract: A level control instrument for controlling and/or indicating the filling level for liquid, powder, granular, especially light-weight bulk material in a container. The level is determined by a single rod shaped vibrator that is actuated by a vibration exciting and measuring system. The vibrator is a rod adapted to act as a bending vibrator which is dampened by bulk or liquid material. The dampening is controlled by the vibration exciting and measuring system. In order to prevent the vibrating energy from being transmitted to the container wall, the vibrating rod has two supports spaced from each other with each located at a nodal point on the rod. One free end of the rod extends into the material containing space of the container. If the two supports are at or near to the points where the vibration nodes appear when the rod is excited to bending vibration it is practically impossible for the vibration energy to be transferred to the container wall.

Abstract: An improved ultrasonic system for detecting the level of a material that has a surface, for example a liquid level inside of a tank, which improves the ability to detect levels particularly when the tank is nearly full. A transmitted ultrasonic signal from a transducer is reflected against the material in the tank, and when received back at the transducer, an output pulse is provided from the transducer. The distance or level is determined by determining the time between the transmission and the reflected signal. A comparator compares the signal from the transducer with a reference and provides an output when a pulse of greater magnitude than the reference is received.

Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a U-shaped probe that senses temperature and is useful for sensing the level of a liquid in a tank. A main probe unit has first and second legs disposed in a side-by-side, parallel relationship and a heater cable is contained within and along the length of the first leg. Heated sensors are disposed inside the first leg in positions proximate to the heater cable for sensing temperatures at a plurality of positions along the first leg, and non-heated sensors are disposed in the second leg for sensing temperatures at a plurality of positions along the second leg. An electrical circuit is connected to the heated temperature sensors and the non-heated temperature sensors for producing at least one signal indicating the temperatures of the heated sensors and preferably indicating the temperatures of the heated sensors relative to the non-heated sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus and process designed for detecting both large and small leaks in components, such as the hermetic seals of electronic components, especially small components. The small component leak detector comprises (i) a container means such as a glove box maintained at about one atmosphere pressure for receiving test objects, (ii) a movable probe situated with the glove box for sniffing and capturing samples of detecting gas in proximity to the test object, (iii) an entrainment pump which consists of a getter pump or a modified cryopump located between the sampling probe and the mass detector for measuring the detecting gas, and (iv) a mass detector. The entrainment pump is capable of entrapping a purge carrier gas, such as nitrogen, but not entrapping a detecting gas, such as helium.

Abstract: A method of measuring the inclining angle of a planar defect of a solid material with ultrasonic waves which includes the steps of irradiating ultrasonic waves incident to the planar defect of a solid material while longitudinally scanning a probe forwardly and backwardly. The inclining angle of the planar defect is determined based on the inclination of an echo envelope obtained from the relationship of the echo beam path distances of the ultrasonic waves versus the echo amplitudes or heights of the reflected waves reflected from the planar defect of the solid material. The inclining angle of the defect corresponds to a straight line portion of the echo envelope in a region where the echo height decreased gradually from a maximum height position as the echo beam path distance increases.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an apparatus and method for inspecting the structural integrity of drill collars used in the drilling of oil and gas wells.

Abstract: A single fluid-pressure transducer unit, of the type in which sensed electrical capacitance is varied in accordance with electrode deflections induced by pressure changes, is rendered capable of characterizing a wide range of pressures extending from near-vacuum to atmospheric levels, with the aid of a distinctive composite-electrode capsule which interacts uniquely with a conventional type of sheet-metal diaphragm. While sensing relatively low pressures, the exhibited capacitance of the transducer is essentially that appearing between the diaphragm and a nearby electrode carried by the capsule, but, at or near atmospheric pressure, the diaphragm physically engages and deflects that electrode, which is elastically deformable, causing it to vary a further capacitance appearing between that deformable electrode and a companion stationary electrode which is also part of the capsule.

Abstract: A compact pressure gauge includes a cylinder which has a compressed gas inlet, a piston, a U-shaped piston rod, and a compression spring. The compression spring is sleeved on the piston rod in the cylinder for biasing the piston against the compressed gas pressure exerted on the piston. The U-shaped piston rod has parallel first and second arms. The first arm extends into the cylinder. The second arm includes a rack secured thereto. A rotating shaft includes an indicator secured thereto for displaying the rotational degree of the rotating shaft, and a pinion secured to the rotating shaft for meshing with the rack. A channel member is secured to the cylinder and has a guide slot through which the second arm extends. A positioning plate is secured to the channel member so that the rotating shaft is journalled on the cylinder and the positioning plate. When the piston rod is moved, the rotating shaft is rotated due to the fact that the pinion always meshs with the rack.

Abstract: A stress-sensitive sensor comprising a means for generating magnetic flux, a thin sheet of an amorphous magnetic alloy which is located in the magnetic flux and which is physically deformed in response to an external force to be measured, and a means for detecting the physical deformation as a variation of the magnetic flux which depends on the external force. The amorphous magnetic alloy consists essentially of Fe.sub.a Cr.sub.b Si.sub.c B.sub.d, in which a is a value of from 69 to 81.5 atomic percent, b is a value of from 2.5 to 6 atomic percent, c is a value of from 10 to 15 atomic percent, and d is a value from 6 to 10 atomic percent provided that a+b+c+d=100. The sensor is particularly suitable for oil pressure or torque detection.

Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter in which a fluid to be metered is conducted through a ceramic spool coaxially supported within a cylinder casing to define an inner chamber. Mounted within the chamber at opposing positions on a magnet axis perpendicular to the longitudinal flow axis of the spool are a pair of electromagnets to establish an electromagnetic field in the spool whose lines of flux are intercepted by the fluid to induce a voltage therein. Interposed between the electromagnets and the outer surface of the spool and conforming to and secured to this surface are a pair of flexible printed circuit boards which are so printed as to define capacitance metering electrodes at diametrically-opposed positions on the spool on an electrode axis at right angles to the magnet axis and at right angles to the longitudinal flow axis, whereby the voltage induced in the fluid is picked up by these electrodes to produce a signal which depends on the flow rate of the fluid.

Abstract: The sensor is formed of a hollow profile (1) of rectangular cross-section, which has two symmetrical transverse notches (2, 3) and two other symmetrical transverse notches (4, 5) at a distance from the first. These notches pass through the thickness of the large side walls (6) of the profile and, in the case of each pair (2,3 and 4, 5), leave intact but mechanically weakened regions (8) between them, to which strain gauges (9) are fixed.

Abstract: An arrangement for sensing rotational torque in an exercise machine utilizes a torque measuring collar, which is generally tubular with a flange at each end. One flange is mounted to a stationary member, such as the frame of a machine. A shaft which is to rotate when the force is applied extends through the tubular collar to a gear box which itself is mounted only to the other flange of the torque collar and is therefore freely rotatable. The flange of the collar which is mounted to the gear box attempts to rotate in response to the torque (force) applied to the machine shaft by the user. This causes the collar to rotationally deform, i.e. twist, in the area between its two flanges. This torque proportional deformation effect occurs independent of the rotation position of the shaft as it rotates either direction through continuous circular motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and a device for detecting torque, and more particularly to a method of and a device for detecting torque which are suitable for use at the time of a high-velocity rotation or for detecting a very small torque. An annular or ring-like elastic member is interposed between, for instance, a drive shaft and a load shaft constituting a torque-transmitting shaft system, and is formed with slits with parts of an outer periphery thereof left unslitted to be divided in the axial direction so that the member is of a configuration easily deformable in the radial direction thereof by means of torque. A non-contact type displacement sensor is provided for measuring the deformation of the elastic member, and a marker is attached on the drive shaft to provide a positional signal for use as a sampling signal. The signal of the displacement sensor is extracted on the basis of the sampling signal to be stored and held.

Abstract: An aseptic sampler fitting including a conduit portion for in-line connection between two pipes containing a viscous fluid, a neck portion associated with the conduit portion defining an access opening therein providing access to the interior of the conduit portion, and a cover being securable to the neck portion for covering the access opening defined therein utilizes a gasket positionable between the neck portion and the cover for maintaining a complete physical separation between the cover and the neck portion. The components of the fitting are smoothly-surfaced to facilitate cleaning of the fitting, and the cover includes a plurality of pierceable, self-closing elastomeric stoppers permitting the insertion through the cover of a hypodermic needle or the like for the purpose of extracting a sample of fluid contained within the conduit portion. The cover is constructed of components facilitating ease of replacement of the elastomeric stoppers.

Abstract: A pipetting device is formed of a supporting frame, a slider mounted on the supporting frame for vertical movement, a plunger type stem having a lower end fittable within the upper end of an approximately inverted cone shaped nozzle tip, the stem being mounted for vertical movement on the slider, and a conduit for supplying the lower end of the stem with an air supply and exhaust device so that the nozzle tip may be communicated with air or air may be sucked therefrom. A rotating cam cooperates with a pin on the slider for vertically moving the slider by a large stroke. An air cylinder has a piston fixed relative to the stem for vertically moving the stem by a small stroke. A lever loosely mounted on the lower end of the stem can engage the nozzle tip for removing the nozzle tip from the stem.

Abstract: A swinging apparatus such as a child's swinging play seat is driven by an extension spring linked between the suspension arm of the swing and a gear wheel which is coupled to a motor-driven drive shaft through meshed gears. In preferred arrangements, two gear wheels are used, arranged in coplanar configuration for reciprocal rotation in opposite directions, each driving an extension spring in alternating manner to swing the apparatus back and forth. In certain embodiments, pivot links are included to permit the extension springs to float when either the motorized drive shaft or the swing itself are stopped, and in certain further embodiments, guide pins are included to hold the springs in a bowed configuration. The mechanism is characterized by the lack of a tendency to jolt, and by the ability to start up and shut down smoothly at any point in the rotation cycle of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A pinion assembly (30) for an electrical starter motor (20) includes a metallic pinion nut (4) threadedly received on an output shaft (22) of motor (20). A first bushing (36) includes a radially extending annular flange (40) which is fixed to and covers nut (4) and a cylindrical axially extending shell (42). A metallic drive pinion (32) is supported on shell (42) and is electrically insulated from shaft (20) by shell (42) and from nut (4) by annular flange (40). However, slip clutch (14) is located between first bushing (36) and drive pinion (32) to transmit torque therebetween. Finally, cylindrical member (62) retains drive pinion (32) on bushing (36).

Abstract: An improved characterizing linkage assembly of the type utilized to proportion the flow of fluids in response to motor controls, such as in the control of fuel and air mixtures in industrial combustion systems. The linkage system comprises a cam assembly having an adjustable curvilinear cam band, which is rotatable by a drive shaft. A biased follower rod is urged against the cam band, and upon movement thereby, pivots a linkage actuator arm which is bearingly supported on the drive shaft. Rotation of the drive shaft in response to a change in a selected process parameter imparts movement to the cam band, the follower rod and thus the linkage actuator arm in proportional travel.

Abstract: A gear-change apparatus for a vehicle transmission having multiple forward speed gear trains and one reverse gear train that is established by a slide meshing action of a reverse idler gear. A cam mechanism between the reverse gear shift fork and one of the forward gear shift forks causes that forward gear shift fork to move a small stroke toward gear engagement to engage the synchronizing mechanism to stop or reduce inertial rotation of components within the transmission without actually causing engagement of that forward gear, which function occurs just prior to actual engagement of the reverse gear train. A recess in the interlocking plate permits the small stroke of movement of the forward shift fork. In one embodiment the cam mechanism includes a one-way device to eliminate any substantial resistance to shifting the apparatus out of reverse gear.

Abstract: A power transmission device for use in a motor vehicle in which an engine is mounted on the front part and a transmission case is mounted on the rear part of the vehicle. A plurality of shifting shafts are axially supported within the transmission case in parallel with one another. Between these shift shafts, a plurality of shifting gear trains, which are engaged and disengaged by a hydraulic clutch, are provided. One of the shifting shafts is connected to the output side of a wet multi-disc main clutch which is disposed in a separate chamber within the transmission case. The input side of the clutch is connected to the engine. An oil pump is disposed within the transmission case. Oil discharged from the pump is controlled by a control valve and is then supplied to the respective oil clutches and bearings through an oil passage disposed along the wall of the transmission case and an oil passage disposed in the axial direction within the shifing shaft.

Abstract: A brake actuator for an all-terrain vehicle, the actuator including a housing and a cover, a hand-operated lever arm pivotally mounted in the housing and projecting outwardly from the housing through said cover, the lever arm being operatively connected to the brake cables for the wheels, a locking segment mounted for pivotal movement in the housing, a ratchet-type cam surface on the segment, the segment being biased to move into locking engagement with the lever arm, the ratchet-type cam surface being spaced at progressively greater distances from the pivot axis to block the lever arm at increasing distances from the brakes.

Abstract: A tiltable and telescopically extensible steering shaft assembly includes a lower main shaft journalled by a stationary bracket and an upper main shaft assembly including a first shaft portion telescopically connected with the lower main shaft through splines and a second shaft portion connected with the first shaft portion for pivotable movements with respect thereto through a universal joint. The stationary bracket carries a first screw shaft and one or more second screw shafts for rotation and engaged with first and second nuts, respectively. An upper bracket is provided on the second shaft portion of the upper shaft assembly and connected with the second nuts for pivotable movements about a transverse tilting axis passing through the pivot point of the universal joint.

Abstract: The synthetic resin rack guide to be housed in a gear box of a rack and pinion type steering device for a vehicle. The rack guide includes a generally semi-cylindrical head, an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder. The generally semi-cylindrical head includes a semi-cylindrical concave surface which slidably contacts a back surface of a rack bar. The outer cylinder is separated from the inner cylinder by a circumferentially extending space and is divided into a plurality of sections in the circumferential direction by a plurality of slits which extend in parallel with an axis of the rack guide. Due to the provision of the slits, the outer cylinder can shrink radially inward when it is inserted into a rack housing with no clearance between them and when an interference between them is increased in proportion to an increase in ambient temperature. Thus, a locking of the rack guide with the rack housing is prevented and a smooth sliding is obtained even with the increase in ambient temperature.

Abstract: A cable mount comprises a tubular body having a radially enlarged flange and retaining fingers axially spaced from and inclined toward the enlarged flange adapted to retain the mount within an apertured panel. The cable mount also includes an axial extension including one part of a two-piece ball and socket connection. A second piece of the ball and socket connection is provided on a cable accessory such as a tubular sheath which can therefore be swivelly mounted with respect to the cable mount. Another cable accessory comprises a barrier cap which covers the opening in the apertured panel and a registering opening in any trim material covering the panel. In addition, an integral cable assembly according to the present invention includes a pair of cable mounts and any mating cable accessories such as sheaths or barrier caps, and these components are entrained between the ends of the cable by an enlarged terminus at each end of the cable.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a lower unit including a rotatably mounted propeller, and an internal combustion engine drivingly connected to the propeller, the engine including an engine block, a crankshaft rotatably supported by the engine block and including a generally cylindrical main portion and a tapered end portion connected to the main portion and projecting from the engine block, a flywheel mounted on the tapered end portion of the crankshaft, and a bolt engaging the flywheel and the main portion of the crankshaft for securing the flywheel to the crankshaft.

Abstract: A torque limiter for an office machine includes a planetary differential. Its sun and ring gear are limited in their degree of rotational speed difference by a hysterisis magnetic coupling. The hysterisis coupling is formed as two concentric cylinders with space between them. Selected portions of the hysterisis coupling may be magnetized to alter the coupling's characteristics.

Abstract: A failsafe system in an automatic transmission includes: a device for detecting rotary speed of an output shaft of the automatic transmission; a device for detecting either rotary speed of a rotary member other than the output shaft of the automatic transmission or engine rotary speed. When a correlation between the output shaft rotary speed and either the rotary speed of the rotary member or the engine rotary speed is abnormal, control oil pressure in a hydraulic control device of the automatic transmission is increased, whereby slippage in frictionally engaging devices in the hydraulic control device of the automatic transmission during non-shift are effectively eliminated.

Abstract: Pressure regulating system for use in an automatic transmission including a fluid coupling, a belt drive continuously-variable speed transmission mechanism having an input pulley and an output pulley which are rotatably interlocked with a V-belt and a reduction ratio control system for controlling the reduction ratio of the belt drive continuously-variable speed transmission mechanism. The pressure regulating system includes a regulator valve capable of regulating the discharge pressure of an oil pump to provide a line pressure, a reduction ratio detecting valve and a throttle pressure valve. The reduction ratio detecting valve receives the line pressure and provides a pressure which is proportional to the displacement of the movable flange of the output pulley with respect to the corresponding fixed flange.

Abstract: A device for regulating an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle is provided with an electrical desired-value transmitter adjustable between an idling position and a full-load position, an actuator, and a regulating member coupled mechanically to the actuator. The set position of the desired-value transmitter is transmissible to the actuator via an electrical transmission circuit via which signals can be entered from further regulating variables; and also to the regulating member via a mechanical transmission member of variable length which can be connected to the desired-value transmitter via a connecting lever. So that this regulating device can be installed with the least possible changes in a vehicle without impairing its emergency running properties and the input of further regulating variables, a drag lever is provided that connects the accelerator pedal to the desired-value transmitter.

Abstract: A tool for driving wooden plugs in spike holes of railroad ties following removal of railroad spikes from the wooden tie prior to track regauging and/or replacement. An elongated main body rod of steel is provided having a permanently affixed collar or washer at one extreme end thereof and another permanently affixed collar or washer approximately midway thereof. Slidably mounted between the two collars is a hand-operated driving weight. The other end of the elongated rod has a reduced rod extension portion which has a slidable plug holding sleeve thereon. The extreme tip of this other end is threaded and receives an adjusting nut on the threads for predetermining the desired depth of wooden plug driving into a railroad tie.

Abstract: A communication passageway is formed to extend from the end surface of a cover member opposed to the axial end surface of the shoulder portion of a main shaft and through the main shaft so that in only one of the two particular phase conditions obtained per revolution of an oil cylinder, it establishes the communication between high and low pressure chambers to thereby equalize their pressures.The communication passageway establishes the communication between high and low pressure chambers in only one of the two particular phase conditions obtained per revolution of the oil cylinder and makes it possible to produce percussion torque in the other particular phase condition.

Abstract: An elongated extraction tool body slidably mounts a laterally extending abutment element closely spaced from a laterally extending jaw fixed to one end of the body. The abutment element is displaced from a limit position against a spring bias, by a thumb contact member, to a reaction establishing position enabling the jaw to exert a deforming force.

Abstract: The excess covering material is trimmed from a workpiece using a blade assembly having side by side blade segments with cutting edges aligned with the contour to be cut. A rubber roller applies a longitudinal cutting force to the blade segments in sequential fashion by rolling across the blade segments ends opposite the cutting ends. The blade segments are returned to the noncutting position by a tension wire threaded through a notch in the shaft of each of the blade segments. Cutting pressure is adequate to cut through at least three layers of covering material without scoring the substrate. The rubber roller provides ceertain resiliency which helps control the cutting pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for presenting a serial succession of cut sheet portions to a work station. The sheet portions are cut from a continuous webbing which is processed by a cutting station and a web-breaking station. The cutting station partially severs the web downstream of its leading free end so as to define a first sheet portion between that free end and the point of cutting, with the first sheet portion connected to the web by one or more tab connectors. The webbing is then advanced downstream to the tab-breaking station where the tabs are broken to free the first sheet portion for independent movement further downstream. A vacuum belt engages the webbing, and particularly the downstream edge adjacent the partial severing, with a vacuum belt. The vacuum belt engages the webbing by bridging the partially-severed cut portion, so as not to interfere with the downstream tab-breaking apparatus.

Abstract: The invention refers to an apparatus for dividing a continuous web of material into successive single sections, particularly for dividing a web of covering material into successive single bands used in the manufacturing of filter-tipped cigarettes. Such an apparatus comprises a rotary cutting roller with one or more peripheral radial knives which are angularly spaced apart from each other and have their cutting edge parallel to the axis of rotation of the cutting roller. According to the invention, each knife is secured to a knife holder consisting of a bridge-like member having an inherent elastic compressibility in the radial direction, which in the fashion of a beam with a plurality of supports is supported by the cutting roller on two end supports and on one or more intermediate supports. The supports are preferably adjustable in the radial direction, and particularly consist of wedges.

Abstract: A continuous strip which is laminated onto plates arranged at a distance from one another and which is composed of a dry resist laminate is introduced into a separating device 1 extending over the width of a strip 20. A drive cylinder 2 is arranged by means of pillars 3 above a carriage 31. The drive cylinder 2 guides the mounting 11, in which a cross-cutting device 10 is fastened, transversely over the strip 20. The cross-cutting device 10 comprises two knife-holders with knives parallel to one another, which are movable apart from one another and together and which, during the transverse movement, sever the strip 20 in a double cut along the trailing edge 29 and the leading edge 30 of two adjacent plates 4 and 5.

Abstract: A device for slitting an elastomeric strip into two identical halves of cross-section suitable for use as windshield wiper blades includes a drive roller which grips the strip and draws it through stationary dies past the operative cutting area of a pair of rotary cutters having cutting tip configurations and placement effecting cutting of the strip to provide sharp, consistent corners at the resulting blade tips.

Abstract: A cutting link having a cutter portion and a depth gauge. And a guide edge extending between the depth gauge peak and cutter portion for guiding a file to sharpen the cutting edge of the cutter portion. In the process of sharpening the cutting edge, the cutter portion is abraded away along a line that furthers the guide edge and thereby continues the guiding of the file to properly file the cutting edge.

Abstract: Optical fiber is scribed to produce a notch by the use of a fiber holder, a circular scribing edge which is spaced from the fiber holder by a first distance, a fiber deflector which is spaced from the fiber holder by a second distance and which is movable laterally to deflect the fiber by a third distance. When the fiber is deflected by the fiber holder, the fiber is brought into contact with the circular scribing edge and is moved along the edge for a short distance. The first, second, and third distances are selected to produce a scribing force which is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A waveshape memory stores waveshape data representing plural waveshapes each having plural periods. A reading sequence controller designates ones to be read out among said waveshape data from the waveshape memory and the readout order thereof. This order may either be a random order or a predetermined one. By performing the readout of the waveshape data, repetitive reading of the same waveshape data is basically avoided, and a periodical noise and monotonousness in the tone color which tend to arise from such repetitive reading are eliminated.

Abstract: An automatic accompaniment apparatus includes an accompaniment pattern generation unit for generating a plurality of accompaniment patterns which represent timing of generation of a plurality of accompaniment tones to be generated respectively. The accompaniment patterns correspond to accompaniment tones.

Abstract: A transducer for a stringed musical instrument incorporating an electrically conductive base plate along with a piezoelectric crystal secured to the base plate by a conductive adhesive. On the other side of the crystal from the base plate is disposed a spring for biasing the piezoelectric crystal against the bridge at a bridge or bridge/body opening. Electrical leads are employed for coupling signals from the piezoelectric crystal.

Abstract: A component multi-necked string-instrument is disclosed. At least two instruments are flexibly connected to enable multiple instrument playing with fluidity and ease. The instruments are reverse-strung, stream-lined, having conventional tunings means angularly recessed rearward of the bridge section. Electrical control means are likewise recessed. A limited headstock is also provided for string anchoring, balance and playing ease.