Abstract: A bottom feed accumulator canister for an automotive air conditioning system includes a novel means to prevent drain down when the system compressor is off. A valve chamber located at the bottom of, and to one side of, the accumulator return tube surrounds a small bleed orifice through the tube. A valve seat in the valve chamber holds a weight that is sufficiently massive to block the valve seat against liquid ingress when the compressor is off. When the compressor is on, the suction at the bottom of the return tube is also seen in the valve chamber, lifting the weight so that liquid can be drawn into the tube through the small orifice.

Abstract: A receiver/dryer assembly for a refrigeration system formed of a drawn aluminum canister having desiccant material contained in a basket secured to an aluminum header welded to the canister. An inlet port is provided in the header and an outlet tube is received through the desiccant basket and is attached to a central outlet port in the header. An inlet tube has an annular convolution formed on one end with an apertured attachment block bearing against the convolution on one side to compress a seal ring on the opposite side for sealing the tube over the inlet port, and the block is fastened to the header with a cap screw. A pair of aluminum studs are welded to the outside of the canister and a retaining bracket received over studs and retained by nuts threaded on the studs.

Abstract: A fabric take-off roller arrangement for flat bed knitting machines is provided with a driven fabric take-off roller that has roller elements disposed next to each other in the axial direction. To ensure that, even with irregular thickenings of the fabric to be taken off, engagement of the fabric take-off roller arrangement is provided both in the region of the thickening and in the adjacent region(s) of the fabric to be taken off, it is provided that the roller elements engage one another in a co-rotational manner at their ends facing one another and are rotatably held on respectively one support carrier, that the support carriers are pivotably held in a direction perpendicular to the orientation of the roller elements that the ends of the roller elements facing each other are flexibly seated against each other as well as in the support carrier, and that the fabric take-off roller is pressed against a counter-roller, between which rollers the fabric run is taken off.

Abstract: The needle selection device has multiple selectors arranged in axial grooves formed in the skirt of the needle cylinder, each selector arranged below a needle and oscillatable in a radial plane of the needle cylinder from an active position, in which a butt protrudes radially from its groove, for the engagement of the butt with cams for actuating the selectors arranged around the needle cylinder to move the selectors along their groove in the needle cylinder so as to activate the overlying needle, to an inactive position, in which the selector is positioned in its groove in the needle cylinder so that it does not interfere with the selector actuation cams. The device has selector extraction elements to transfer the selectors from the inactive position to the active position and selection elements to transfer the selectors from the active position to the inactive position or to keep them in the active position.

Abstract: Measuring dispenser that includes a container of an essentially flattened elliptical cylindrical shape provided with a port through which the washing powder is admitted, a series of narrow slits through which the dissolved powder is dispensed, and a recess which houses the handle of a measuring spoon. The measuring spoon is connectable to the container by inserting its handle into the recess and the cup part into its loading port.

Abstract: A dyeing machine without rollers including a circular trough having a neck portion at an upper portion, a tail portion having an upper inlet extending upwardly and then vertically downwardly to form a lower outlet, a large tubular passage connected between a lower portion of the circular trough and the lower outlet of the tail portion, a small tubular passage connected between the neck portion of the circular trough and an upper inlet of the tail portion, a filtering board disposed on a bottom of the large tubular passage, a perforated panel mounted under the filtering board, a reservoir formed at a lower part of the large tubular passage and located under the perforated panel, a branch pipe fitted under the reservoir and communicated therewith, and a pump connected with a lower portion of the circular trough.

Abstract: A fill system for a washing machine utilizing a hot and cold water inlet mixing valve operated by a pair of solenoids extending in parallel arrangement from a deck surface of the valve body. At least one hot and cold water inlet fittings extend in parallel arrangement from a common side of the valve body and the single outlet extends from another side of the body. The valve is mounted with deck surface contacting the undersurface of the top of the machine cabinet with the solenoids extending through an aperture in the cabinet top and into the machine control console. The inlet fittings extend through an aperture in the back of the machine cabinet. The solenoids are thus isolated from and protected from water leaks resulting from hose attachments to the fittings.

Abstract: A security device for use with rotatable door knobs which incorporates a pair of generally cylindrical members positioned on a door knob and telescoped together to receive a padlock to prevent separation. The housing members rotate relative to each other and to the door knob to prevent actuation of the door knob and access to any keyed lock that may be incorporated in the knob.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for bending manufacturing of a long workpiece capable of manufacturing different sections of the workpiece in different bending radiuss, while preventing a buckling deformation in manufacturing small bending radius sections and a lowering of a productivity. A speed of sending out the workpiece is controlled to be lower for sections requiring larger bending per unit length, so as to prevent the buckling deformation, and to be higher for sections requiring smaller bending per unit length, so as to prevent the lowering of the productivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a needle curving apparatus for curving one needle or a multiplicity of needles simultaneously. The apparatus includes a curving system for bending the needle and a reciprocating drive system for biasing the needle blanks against the curving system and reciprocally moving the needle blanks to form the curved needle.

Abstract: A metal forming machine is adapted to bend flat strips of metal into a desired profile. The machine has a rigid framework that forms a cage in which a drive mechanism is disposed to advance a strip therethrough. An elongated rail structure is secured within the cage's interior and is removable out of one of the entrance or exit of the framework. Preferably, the rail structure is mounted at selected discrete mounting locations spaced laterally of the drive mechanism. A plurality of forming elements are disposed on the rail structure to define at least two longitudinally spaced forming stations, and the forming stations act to bend the strip into the desired profile. The rail structure may be removed from the framework without detaching the mounting stations. A plurality of rail structures may be employed with some of the rail structures formed by a plurality of longitudinally aligned rail sections at least one of which carries a plurality of forming stations.

Abstract: An accident rescue tool is disclosed having a base, a base arm fixedly attached to the base, and a lifting arm pivotably attached to the base. In addition, means for pivoting the lifting arm toward the base arm is provided, as is a first chain connected to the base arm at one end and a rigid vehicle component at the other end and a second chain connected to the lifting arm at one end and a vehicle component at the second end. The pivoting means is connected to both the base arm and lifting arm to pivot the lifting arm so that the second chain causes the vehicle component to move in conjunction herewith.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a method and apparatus for forming thin-wall tubing for later welding of the seam thereof which includes tightly rolling upon itself a sheet of thin metal stock about a roller between layers of a flexible fabric. When released from the roller, the sheet metal springs back to form a near-perfect tube without the kinks, scratches, and/or dents commonly caused by conventional rolling methods.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for carrying out an operation, such as pressing, riveting, cutting, etc., on a mechanical workpiece which operation comprises at least one stroke, or movement, along a predetermined path, of at least two active members (6,7) each being arranged on a carrying unit (1,2). The mechanical workpiece is first positioned between the active members (6,7). Thereafter the carrying units (1,2) for the active members are approached to each other in a first part of the stroke. The carrying units (1,2) are then locked to each other at the end of said first part of said stroke and a second part of said stroke is carried out by way of the relative movement between the active members (6,7) to achieve the desired effect on the said workpiece.

Abstract: There is provided an assembly for preferentially separating and collecting particles that are gathered from the surface of an article such as an item of baggage. The assembly features an impactor and a suction anvil that is displaceable from a collection medium. The anvil is displaceable from the collection medium so that the medium may be removed and analyzed for traces of substances such as explosives or narcotics. There is also provided, in combination with the assembly, a vacuum head and conduit for gathering the particles and a suction unit for creating the suction force. The collection medium containing collected particles is moved from the impactor to an analyzer by a stage movement device. The analyzer includes an analysis unit, such as an Ion Mobility Spectrometer, and a displaceable heater anvil.

Abstract: A method for making vacuum components from plastic material, and in particular, PVC and CPVC, where the plastic component is exposed to a high vacuum or ultra high vacuum for an extended period of time, by which the outgas rate drops considerably to levels that are well within required limits for high vacuum and ultra high vacuum applications. Residual gas analysis may be used to certify this low outgas level for the plastic components.

Abstract: A capillary pressure measuring device comprises a highly regulated low pressure control system with a vacuum producing subsystem, a sample holder, a vertical positioning mechanism and a weighing device used for measuring the advancing and receding capillary pressure distributions of porous materials using a wetting fluid. Advancing capillary pressure distribution of the porous materials are measured by the steps of applying a highly controlled pressure to a test sample which is in contact with the wetting fluid, so as to allow no or only limited absorption of the fluid in the sample; incrementally reducing the applied pressure and recording the stable or equilibrium fluid weight adsorbed at each increment of the reduced pressure; and calculating the advancing average sample cross section area based capillary pressure distribution and the pore size distribution using the weight absorbed versus applied pressure data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the non-intrusive testing of evaporative fuel vapor systems of motor vehicles. A portable pressure control and monitoring unit is inserted into the fuel filler neck of a vehicle. The vapor vent line, leading from the fuel tank to the charcoal canister of the evaporative system, is temporarily clamped off. Pressurized gas is introduced into the unit from an operator's console, expanding a ring bladder and sealing an annular volume between the unit and the filler neck. Gas is then passed through the unit into the contained volume of the evaporative system. After the neck cap is replaced, an automatic timer deflates the ring bladder, charging the remaining volume of the evaporative system. Pressure decay data is collected and stored in the unit's digital storage device. Initially, this data is used in a pass/fail determination made by a microprocessor in the unit. Later, the data is downloaded into a separate computer for archival purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus for simulating corrosion activity of a process stream on equipment and transport lines. The apparatus includes a series of modular canisters coupled to a process stream source and a process stream discharge point. A cooling coil is positioned within each canister and the cooling coils are interconnected in series. The first cooling coil is coupled to a coolant source and the last cooling coil is connected to a coolant discharge. The process stream flows thorough the series of canisters and the coolant flows through the coils in counterflow to the process stream to cool and partially condense the process stream. Corrosion activity and temperature within the canister are monitored using corrosion probes and/or coupons. Modular construction of the canisters permits disassembly and reassembly to adapt the simulator to different simulation applications.

Abstract: A continuous vapor sensor is assembled within a partially open protective enclosure which restricts (but does not exclude) the entry of liquid and means for excluding liquid from a portion of the enclosure, such as a non-wetting attachment material. The assembly allows the use of a continuous sensor which is adversely impacted by liquid contact in locations where the assembly may be immersed. The enclosure traps a sufficient amount of vapor to maintain a minimum vapor volume when the enclosure is submerged to a significant depth below a water level. The means for excluding controls the location of the minimum vapor volume to protect the sensor.

Abstract: A series of engine speed changes is analysed in order to detect a sequence of speed changes characteristic of a misfire having occurred. An embodiment of the invention generates a first mask in response to speed increases and a second mask in response to speed decreases. A misfire can only be signalled when both masks are at a PASS state and misfire detector detects a misfire.

Abstract: A data acquisition system (1) by which environmental parameters proximate to plant installed valves (2) may be monitored, recorded and correlated with other valve operating data. The system includes sensors (8) for sensing environmental parameters such as gas/vapor concentration, temperature or humidity. The system also includes sensors for sensing changes in the actuating variable (34) and sensors for sensing valve stem displacement (58). The sensors (8, 34, 6) generate electrical signals proportional to the value of the sensed parameter. First data interface equipment (32, 42, 43) is provided for digitizing the sensed actuating variable as the actuating variable is changed to displace the stem, preferably a full stroke from the open-to-close-to-open positions or vice versa. Second data interface equipment (7, 45) is provided for digitizing the sensed environmental parameter as the stem is displaced. Third data interface equipment (6, 45) is provided for digitizing the sensed stem displacement.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator has a housing which defines a pair of fluidly isolated chambers. A flag including a first magnet is pivotally mounted in a forwardly disposed of the chambers and a lens is mounted in the front of the forwardly disposed chamber. An arm is pivotally mounted in and extends out of the rearly disposed of the chambers, a second magnet is attached to the end of the arm which is disposed in the rearwardly disposed arm, and a float is attached to the other end of the arm. The first and second magnets are permanently magnetically coupled so that movement of the float will cause arcuate movement of the second magnet which is translated to rotational movement of the flag and its integral first magnet.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement method for distinguishing between unflawed and flawed parts comprises the steps of detecting at least two prominent resonant response frequencies, measuring the frequency difference between the two frequencies, determining the ratio of the frequency difference to one of said frequencies, and comparing the ratio to a predetermined part criterion. Resonant response frequencies dependant upon physical characteristics such as dimensions and weight are compared to other resonances which are at frequencies dependant upon stiffness of the part.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for connection to a transmission optical fiber which allows the transmission of a light beam. The pressure sensor comprises a material which is essentially elastic to deformation and optically transparent to the wavelengths of light used. The material includes at least two inclusions, each comprising an optical fiber segment. The distance between the inclusions varies when a deformation is exerted on the pressure sensor. This, in turn, modifies the focal length of the optical system defined thereby, and leads to a variation of the light energy collected by a transmissive optical fiber. The pressure sensor is suitable for detectors or measuring devices for medical use, and in this regard, a method for measuring blood or respiratory pressure is also provided.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the fatigue life of a structural member composed of a predetermined material, and a method of making same. The device is a substantially flat fuse composed of a material similar to the predetermined material and mountable on a structural member by adhesive during use. The fuse has cut out portions which define fuse elements and variable unbonded areas are formed about the fuse elements to effect failure at different times in sequence because of fatigue and prior to the failure of the monitored structural member when the fuse and the monitored structural member are subjected to substantially the same stress history.

Abstract: For detecting strains or breaks in the surface of a boat hull or other structure, the surface is covered with non-intersecting lengths of tape adhered to the surface. The tape has an inner strip of conductive elastomer and an outer strip of the same material, and between them a corrugated layer of copper foil. Both strips and the foil are insulated from each other and the outside. The strips and foil layer are connected to electrical resistance and capacitance measuring devices, which monitor any changes in the electrical properties of the tape lengths, caused by strain or breaking of the surface. Because of the corrugations, the foil will not change its resistance when the tape is elongated or compressed.

Abstract: A material test system capable of applying multiple force load components simultaneously includes a first actuator connected in parallel with a spring element. The first actuator and the spring element in turn are connected in series with the test specimen and a second actuator. The spring element is substantially rigid in order to transfer the force load from the second actuator to the test specimen yet substantially compliant in order to allow transfer of the force load from the first actuator to the test specimen.

Abstract: An inertia force mass flowmeter comprises a conduit with two opposite extremities restrained from experiencing lateral movement including a first end section extending in over-hanging relationship from one of the two restrained extremities of the conduit, a second end section extending in over-hanging relationship from the other of the two restrained extremities of the conduit, and a looped midsection connecting the first and second end sections to one another, wherein a first elongated support extending from a restrained extremity thereof towards the first end section of the conduit supports the over-hanging extremity of the first end section of the conduit, and a second elongated support extending from a restrained extremity thereof towards the second end section of the conduit supports the over-hanging extremity of the second end section of the conduit; wherein an electromagnetic vibrator generates a relative flexural vibration between a combination of a first half of the conduit and the first elongated su

Abstract: A load cell formed with a single crystal beam and strain gages deposited thereon. The single crystal beam may be advantageously formed from sapphire. The beam is arranged in the load cell with a fixed portion and a free portion to which weight forces may be applied. At least one strain gage is deposited on the beam to provide signals responsive to the applied weight forces. The method for making the load cell includes growing the crystal, depositing a strain sensitive layer on the crystal substrate, foxing the strain sensitive layer into at least one strain sensitive element and attaching a plurality of electrical leads to the strain sensitive elements to form strain gages. A weighing device is formed of a base upon which a plurality of the load beams are arranged for supporting a weigh platform.

Abstract: Petroleum coking drums and other vessels may be inspected to determine if dimensional changes or bulges have occurred in the surface of the vessel by an inspection device including a reflected laser light measuring survey apparatus and a video camera mounted on a frame which may be disposed in selected vertical positions along a central axis of the vessel and rotatably positioned by a rotary positioner interposed between a support stem for the device and the frame. Plural distance measurements and video scans are transmitted to a remote control console for recording and plotting of the contours of bulges or other dimensional anomalies surveyed by the survey apparatus. Components of the device are sealed or gas pressurized to minimize the chance of explosion in hazardous environments such as the interior of a petroleum coking drum. The system is adapted to be supported on the distal end of a coking drum drillstem and centralized by a removable clamp unit mounted on the drum manway flange.

Abstract: A span gap runner for detecting and measuring misalignment of rolls in a continuous caster comprises an elongated member having a middle portion recessed from the bottom surface of the member, a position transducer mounted in an aperture of the member and at the midpoint of the member. The member has end portions adapted to span the distance between a three roll segment from a minimum roll spacing to a maximum roll spacing. Span gap is measured between the surface of the middle roll of the three roll segment and a line or plane tangent to the surfaces of the adjacent two rolls.

Abstract: A fluid pendulum arrangement is used for implementing fast initial erection of vertical gyros by maintaining the gyro wheel spin axis near vertical during the gyro "power-off" mode of operation. Fluid is contained in a lower fluid chamber section which is disposed below the rotational axes of the gyro inner and outer gimbals. The mass of the fluid in cooperation with the fluid chamber moment arm results in a gyro wheel pendulosity that is greater than the combined gyro component friction torques. Upon the "power-on" or gyro wheel spin up mode of operation, the fluid tends to migrate from the lower section of the chamber to an upper section thereof which is arranged relative to the gimbal rotational axes so that gyro wheel pendulosity is negligible. In one embodiment of the invention, the fluid chamber is an external "add-on" feature to the gyro wheel rotor and in another embodiment, the fluid chamber is integral with said rotor.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a carriage, a base and a longitudinal guide for positioning the carriage. The longitudinal guide contains two guide parts attached to the base to provide a sliding mount for the carriage along an axis. A spindle is coupled to the carriage for moving it longitudinally and is provided with a rotating mount on the base. The manipulator also includes two wedge arrangements between the side parts of the base and the guide parts of the guide to center the carriage and prestress the guide parts in the direction of the axis. Each wedge arrangement comprises two cooperating slant faces one of which is an inner face of each side part of the base and the other of which belongs to a wedge which is moved with respect to the respective guide part for centering the same relative to the spindle. After completion of the centering operation the guide parts will be secured to the base, e.g. by screws.

Abstract: A countershaft type multi-speed power transmission has a plurality of gear meshes disposed on three axes including a forward final drive gear and a reverse final drive gear. Both the low forward ratio and the reverse ratio drive paths include a common one-way device. The gear meshes and a plurality of selectively operable friction clutches are positioned on shafting disposed on the three axes to provide a compact overall axial length for the transmission assembly.

Abstract: A control system/method for controlling the shifting of automated mechanical transmission systems (10) is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the control system/method (FIG. 4 ) defines the window ((OS*GR.sub.T)+K.gtoreq.IS.sub.E .gtoreq.(OS*GR.sub.T)) for synchronous engagement (for shifts other than compound upshifts) such that jaw clutch (112/114, 116/118) engagement will occur or tend to occur when the input shaft (16) is rotating at speed (IS) equal to or slightly greater than a true synchronous speed (OS*GR.sub.T) to provide a "push" sensation upon jaw clutch engagement.

Abstract: An auxiliary handlebar assembly is provided. The auxiliary handlebar assembly includes an auxiliary handlebar having an open end and a coupler secured in the open end. The coupler includes a sleeve for engagement with a handlebar stem disposed on one end and a wedge shaped portion formed on the opposing end and engaged in the open end of the auxiliary handlebar. A bolt is engaged through the sleeve and the wedge shaped portion for engagement with a wedge member, such that the wedge member is caused to move radially outward for engagement with the auxiliary handlebar. In this manner, the auxiliary handlebar can be easily fixed to a handlebar stem by the coupler and a bent section of the auxiliary handlebar can be rotatably adjusted relative to a longitudinal axis of the coupler.

Abstract: A pedal rod is made of two separate pieces, a rod part and a head part, joined together by a crimped joint having as many as six elements. The parts may be selectively plated and/or coated to provide environmental resistance or color coding.

Abstract: A damping system for motor vehicle axial drives and the like, provides a dismountable mounting on a hub and substantially enclosing a square-section inertia ring grooved around all faces, and having respective "O"-rings movably and removably held between the grooves and the housing by compressive contact, providing for ready replacement of the "O"-rings.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rotary drill bit includes the steps of forming the bit body with a plurality of sockets, inserting in each socket a projecting carbon former, applying a fusible hard facing material to the surface of the bit body, and around the formers, by the localised application of heat to the solid material so as to melt it and weld it to the surface of the bit body, and then replacing the formers with cutters. During the application of the hard facing material, each former is also heated by the application of heat directly to it, so as to raise the temperature of the former to a level greater than the temperature to which it would otherwise be raised solely by conduction of heat from the hard facing material.

Abstract: A bung tool has a cylindrical body with a four-armed drive portion projecting from one end thereof and a six-armed drive portion projecting from the opposite end thereof, respectively for engagement with different types of bungs. A drive member reciprocates in a square cross-section axial bore through the body, being manually moveable by a handle which projects radially through a slot in the body. The drive lug of an associated drive lever is receivable in the opposite ends of the bore for respectively driving the two drive portions. The drive member reciprocates among two recessed positions respectively spaced from the opposite ends of the bore to allow insertion of the drive lug therein and a drive position projecting from one of the drive portions for driving engagement with a bung cap.

Abstract: A specialized wrench for a power tool which makes installation quick and does not mark the paint when installing doorstops.

Abstract: A driving head includes a housing having an open end enclosed by a cap, a core is rotatably disposed in the housing, the core includes a block engaged in the housing and a stub extended through the cap. The block has a number of flat surfaces formed on the outer peripheral portion such that a number of spaces are formed between the flat surfaces and the housing. A number of rods are engaged in the spaces and engaged with the flat outer surfaces of the block when the core is rotated in the active direction, and the core is rotatable in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A wrench device includes an elongated body having laterally offset end portions each of which has a plurality of different size wrench openings therethrough and defines a hand gripping edge surface and a foot receiving edge surface, the wrench openings enabling cooperation with various size polygonal shaped screw heads, bolts and nuts to apply torque thereto.

Abstract: A driver bit holding sleeve 6 is disposed in a shooting portion 4 so as to enable it to be rotated together with a driver bit 5 struck by a striking piston 2 while permitting the driver bit 5 to be slidably displaced in the shooting portion 4, and a piston-cylinder mechanism 10 for rotationally driving the holding sleeve 6 is arranged in the vicinity of the shooting portion 4. The piston-cylinder mechanism 10 is operatively associated with the holding sleeve 6 via a converting mechanism 17 for converting reciprocable linear movement of the piston-cylinder mechanism 10 into rotary movement of the holding sleeve 6. Since a striking sleeve 7 is threadably squeezed in a material to be handled after it is struck by a driver bit 5, any type of striking screw 7 having a circular head portion can easily and reliably be struck in the material.

Abstract: A desk-top miter saw with a bevel function is improved through the use of a belt drive transmission between the saw shaft and the motor drive shaft. This allows the unit to be more compact while simultaneously offering a greater bevel tilt range of the saw. A centering detent mechanism is used to correctly locate the turntable for zero-angle (non bevel) cutting.

Abstract: A push-pull DIY cutter for sheet material, such as mat and foam board, utilizes a blade-mounting handle that is pivotable from a null position in both of two opposite directions, so as to alternatively bring into operative position a blade element spaced to either side of the null position center line. The blade is mounted for lateral shifting, so as to cause the elements on its opposite ends to protrude to a greater or lesser extent from either side of the cutting head. Indicia are provided along the lower boundary of the head to facilitate adjustment of the blade for optimal protrusion of the blade element that is to be utilized in any given instance.

Abstract: A saw blade having a basic body (1) and unset teeth (2.sub.1, 2.sub.2, etc.) having recurring cycles of teeth, each cycle having at least one group of teeth with at least three teeth, and where tooth height decreases from tooth to tooth while tooth width simultaneously increases. The teeth (2.sub.1, 2.sub.2, etc.) are formed symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal center plane (8) extending through the basic body (1). The effective cutting edges or cutting-edge sections (6.sub.1, 12.sub.1, 14.sub.2, 12.sub.2, etc.) of each tooth (2.sub.1, 2.sub.2, etc.) are formed by a jutting-out or protruding cutting edge, the inner section (6.sub.1, 6.sub.2, etc.) of which runs approximately perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal center plane (8) and which is adjoined externally by a phase (7.sub.1, 7.sub.2, etc.) inclined toward the basic body (1) The widest tooth (2) in the group of teeth has an angle greater than 90 degrees formed between phase (7 ) and flank (10).

Abstract: A new electronic musical instrument and an associated notational method are disclosed. The new musical instrument is played using the right hand for depression of keys, as in conventional instruments, and also by applying finger pressure onto special sensing areas using the left hand. The left hand sensing areas or keys are located so as to be accessed without any significant lateral movement of the left hand. "Instructions" for playing the new instrument are conveyed to the user via directly translatable notational symbols printed on an associated surface. This cooperating system removes the mental translational and physical movement problems of conventional notation and conventional instruments by having the notational method directly convey the physical actions that are required and by simplifying the physical actions themselves. Such a cooperative system allows users to quickly play this instrument at advanced levels.

Abstract: A rifle has an adjustable muzzle brake attached to a muzzle end of the rifle, the muzzle brake including an inner sleeve surrounded by an outer sleeve. The two sleeves are rotatable with respect to each other and have a pattern of holes formed in each. A pair of detent mechanisms formed in the inner and outer sleeves allow the outer sleeve to rotate to a first position with respect to the inner sleeve where the holes of both sleeves are aligned with each other. In this position the gases of combustion can escape through the aligned holes in both sleeves in a substantially transverse direction to the axis of the gun barrel. This provides for a significant reduction in the amount of recoil force on the shooter of the rifle. The detent mechanisms also allow the outer sleeve to be rotatable to a second position where the holes of the inner and outer sleeves are totally out of alignment with each other.