Abstract: A stick for beating a percussion instrument. The instrument has an elastic component. A part of the stick forms a handle used for holding the stick. The elastic component is a part of the handle.

Abstract: A bass drum foot pedal assembly for triggering rapid multiple drum beats in an electronic drum or percussion synthesizer having a frame with an upper striking surface with an electronic drum trigger wired to the electronic drum and a lower striking surface with an electronic drum trigger wired to the drum, a spring-biased foot pedal having a contact on the upper surface of the pedal toe and a contact on the lower surface of the pedal toe positioned between the upper and lower striking surfaces. The drummer can trigger a drumbeat upon depression of the pedal by causing the lower contact to actuate a trigger and by releasing the the pedal to the upper contact to actuate a trigger, thereby triggering multiple rapid drumbeats.

Abstract: An integrated system and software package for creating and performing a musical score including a user interface that enables a user to enter and display the musical score, a database that stores a data structure which supports graphical symbols for musical characters in the musical score and performance generation data that is derived from the graphical symbols, a musical font that includes a numbering system that corresponds to the musical characters, a compiler that generates the performance generation data from the database, a performance generator that reads the performance generation data from the compiler and synchronizes the performance of the musical score, and a synthesizer that responds to commands from the performance generator and creates data for acoustical playback of the musical score that is output to a sound generation device. The synthesizer generates the data for acoustical playback from a library of digital sound samples.

Abstract: Electronic Music Distribution (EMD), wherein music stored as digital files is downloadable by end users from retail computer databases or from Peer to Peer “file sharing” databases such as Napster, has developed rapidly in the recent past as an alternative to the traditional distribution channels for recorded music. While EMD holds great promise as a distribution vehicle, certain limitations exist with regard to the capability of existing distribution models to classify or characterize the audio quality of the files available for download. This limitation is particularly acute in the Peer-to-Peer context where the downloadable database consists of files from a multiplicity of sources. The present invention utilizes an objective measure of audio quality that is, in one embodiment, presented as part of a response to a user or subscriber search query.

Abstract: There is provided a session apparatus that enables the user to freely start and enjoy a music session with another session apparatus without being restricted by a time the session should be started. A session apparatus is connected to at least one other session apparatus via a communication network in order to perform a music session with the other session apparatus. Reproduction data to be reproduced simultaneously with reproduction data received from the other session apparatuses is generated and transmitted to the other session apparatus. The reproduction data received from the other session apparatus is delayed by a period of time required for the received reproduction data to be reproduced in synchronism with the generated reproduction data, for simultaneous reproduction of the delayed reproduction data and the generated reproduction data.

Abstract: Field Music editing and harmonizing.

Abstract: Methods for assisting a technician in tuning a musical instrument exhibiting inharmonicity, such as a piano. If one aspect, a plurality of target frequencies are calculated using a table of preferred stretch values. In another aspect, target frequencies are calculated from multiple inharmonicity measurements during the time a tone generator is sounding.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus for musical instruments such as pianos, organs, clavichords, and harpsichords, and methods for making and using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, a plurality of keys, a plurality of lever assemblies each operably connected with its corresponding key, and a main fulcrum that together replicate the touch of an acoustic piano keyboard. It can be used in electronic and acoustic instruments, can be adjusted to simulate the feel of a selected type of keyboard instrument, and is simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

Abstract: An automatic player piano is broken down into an acoustic piano and an automatic playing system, and solenoid-operated key actuators are driven to rotate the black/white keys of the acoustic piano; the space between the keyboard and the array of black/white keys is so narrow that the manufacturer provides the solenoid-operated key actuators in the space below the key bed; plunger holes are formed in the rear portion of the key bed, and the solenoids occupy the space under the key bed so that the plungers project through the plunger holes into the space beneath the rear portions of the keys; the key bed is does not lose the mechanical strength so that the tuning work is not frequently required for the key action units.

Abstract: A method is provided for designing an acoustic correction filter applicable to a stringed instrument, which is composed of a string member operable to undergo a vibration, a support member for supporting the string member, a body member responsive to the vibration transmitted through the support member for generating a natural sound and a mute attachment for muting the natural sound. The acoustic correction filter is operable when the natural sound is muted by the mute attachment for filtering a signal derived from the vibration so as to create an artificial sound instead of the muted natural sound.

Abstract: A high technology acoustic piano includes a piano body. A musical keyboard is mounted on the piano body. Keys are connected to the action for operating the hammers to strike strings. Strings adjacent to the hammers are arranged in different groups according to frequency, pitch, and ranges. A soundboard is mounted to the piano body and is spaced under the strings. Four or more pickups (located between the groups of strings and the soundboard) transmit frequencies, overtones and beats to onboard computers and to each pickup's separately controlled amplifier. An onboard computer mounts on the piano body near the musical keyboard and stores musical scores, written/drawn materials, and word processing text, and records music from the strings, pickups, modules, and amplifiers associated with the musical keyboard. A scanner slides from beneath the keyboard to copy printed/written/drawn materials and word processing text into the computer.

Abstract: Reloading apparatus for reloading ammunition shell cases includes a shell case holder having a pair of yieldably biased gripping fingers positioned to engage and hold the rim at the base of the shell case. A resizing die mounted for sliding about a shell case has a lower rim adapted to engage and move the holding fingers away from engagement with the rim and thus provides substantially full length case resizing. Ejector mechanism in the resizing die is operable to urge the shell case out of the die and hold it in position to be regripped by the holding fingers as the die and support are moved away from each other.

Abstract: Ammunition reloading apparatus includes a shell case support for holding a shell case, a container spaced above the support for holding shell loading material to be placed in a shell case during reloading, and an elongate charge bar underlying the container having a charge opening therein. The bar is mounted for movement between a first position in which the opening underlies the container to receive a charge of material and a second position where the material may be released to an underlying shell case. Control mechanism is operable to sense the presence or absence of the shell case on the support when the charge bar is in its second position. The control mechanism prohibits release of material from the charge opening when a shell case is absent and permits release of material to be dispensed to the shell case when a shell case is present.

Abstract: A method of maneuvering target tracing is disclosed. The present invention relates to the field of target tracking and more generally to a method of employing multiple model and variable sampling rate technique, which achieve good tracking performance for a high-g maneuvering target. The results show that the present invention can handle the missile sudden maneuver better and are accurate.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved recoil control device comprising a bolt head and an inertia block or slider for use in a variety of firearms. In one embodiment, the bolt head and inertia block are articulated so that the displacement of the bolt head results in a force component outside the firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to produce recoil reduction and/or weight reduction advantages.

Abstract: A support seat of a manual pump oil cylinder includes an oil cylinder, a handle and a transparent support seat. A distal end of the oil cylinder is locked by the transparent support seat. The oil cylinder is locked between the transparent support seat and the front seat by the fixing shaft. The handle is pivotally combined to the front seat. The transparent support seat is locked to a distal end of the supporting seat. Part or whole of the transparent support seat is made of transparent material. The transparent support seat is made with a middle hole and an annular trench. A cup-like nut and an annular oil seal are locked to a distal end of the oil cylinder. The transparent support seat is sealed and locked to a bottom of the oil cylinder. By the transparent support seat, the user can check the amount of oil directly.

Abstract: A valve controlled fluid power actuator arrangement having a fluid power valve arrangement (61) controlled by an electronic control means (63 through 65) being connected by means of at least one plastic fluid power line (11) with at least one actuator (62). In the plastic line (61) electrical line strands and/or light guides are integrated for the transmission of sensor signals. The at least one plastic line (11) is connected with the respective actuator (62) with the aid of a connection member (10) having a connection cable (29) with at least one sensor (30) in or on the actuator (62). Accordingly in the case of a valve arrangement separate from the actuators a rapid and simple fluid power and electrical or, respectively, optical assembly may take place.

Abstract: The invention relates to rotating machine element that contains a mechanism actuated by a fluid pressure. The aim of the invention is to allow for a supply of actuation fluid also during the rotation. To this end, a non-rotating control element (2) is mounted on two fluid bearings (3) on the machine element, said bearings being spaced apart in the axial direction and allowing flows of actuation fluid to flow from one element to the other. Feed lines (R, S) in the control element are provided with a series of radially inwards facing ports (13, 14) and reception channels (17, 18) in the machine element, a series of radially outward facing orifices (15, 16) being disposed in such a manner that in every relative position both elements for every individual flow of actuation fluid are disposed such that at least one port (13, 14) is aligned with one associated orifice (15, 16).

Abstract: A radial piston pump in which the sliding shoe has a central region that engages the driven end of the piston and an outer region or rim surrounding the driven end of the piston and projecting into the pumping chamber bore a distance such that for all positions of the piston relative to the drive member, at least a portion of the outer region of the shoe remains within the pumping chamber bore. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a sliding shoe for a radial piston pump, wherein the shoe has a concave bottom side, a socket portion projecting centrally on the top side, and a plurality of guide arms projecting upwardly on the top side and spaced laterally from the socket portion. Preferably, the projecting rim is in the form of guide arms that are spaced apart to form a castellated, substantially annular rim around the socket portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting structure of a piston pin for a hermetic compressor. In the present invention, caulking portions 26 are beforehand formed in a connecting chamber 22 of the piston 20, and then, a piston pin 30 is fastened to the piston 20 by means of plastic deformation of the caulking portions 26. At this time, the caulking portions 26 are formed at upper and lower ends of an interference preventive portion 24 defined within the connecting chamber 22 and cause the upper and lower ends of the piston pin 30 to be fastened to the piston 20 within the connecting chamber 22 of the piston. According to the present invention, there is an advantage in that an outer diameter of the piston 20 is not changed during its assembling process, since the piston pin 30 can be fastened to the piston 20 merely by causing only the caulking portions 26 of the piston 20 to be subjected to the plastic deformation.

Abstract: A piston for a compressor for use in hermetically encapsulated small-type refrigerating machines, with a cylinder-jacket-like sealing and guide surface section (1a, 2) as well as at least two substantially bridge- and cylinder-jacket-sector-like sealing and guide surface sections (6) of the piston skirt allowing the guidance of the piston in the cylinder as well as sealing the crankcase relative to the sealing or compression chamber and other sections of the piston skirt comprising a recess (3,7).

Abstract: A cylinder device such as a power cylinder of a power steering system includes a slidable shaft slidably disposed inside a housing. A joint member is connected to the end section of the slidable shaft. A stopper member is disposed between the slidable shaft and the joint member. Here, the end section of the slidable shaft is cutout to form an axial engagement surface. The slidable shaft and the joint member are connected in a condition where the end face of the slidable shaft is in contact with the end face of the joint member so as to from a groove between the axial engagement surface and the joint member. The stopper member is formed annular and has an engagement section formed along its inner periphery. The engagement section is fitted in the groove so that the stopper member is prevented from at least an axial movement.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a master cylinder for a brake system, comprising a cylindrical main body, at least one flange integrally connected therewith, and a bore, extending in the cylindrical main body and through said at least one flange, wherein the master cylinder is manufactured by cold forging. Preferably the flange is cold forged by upsetting. Subsequently the cylindrical main body is provided with a bore. Said bore is realized in a series of forging steps, wherein at least the portion where the bore pierces the flange is executed in a separate step.

Abstract: Gas separation membranes formed from polyester-polyether block copolymers which are useful for separating gases from gas mixtures. The membranes and processes are especially suited for separating polar gases from mixtures that contain polar and non-polar species. The novel membranes exhibit good permeability and permselectivity as well as durability, making them well suited for industrial applications such as removal of acid gases from natural gas and removal of carbon dioxide from synthesis gas.

Abstract: A multi-stage collector of the type used to collect particles from industrial gas. The collector can contain multiple narrow and wide zones formed by a plurality of parallel corrugated plates. Contained in the narrow zones can be elongated electrodes with sharp leading and/or trailing edges. These electrodes can provide a non-uniform electric field near their sharp edges leading to corona discharge. The corona discharge causes particulate matter in the gas flow to become charged. The region in narrow zones away from the sharp edges of the electrodes resembles a parallel plate capacitor with relatively uniform electric field. In this region, particles can be collected on the plates and on the electrode. Wide regions can contain barrier filters (bag filters) with conductive surfaces. The collector can also be used to clean inlet gas in gasification plants and to collect re-usable materials from a gas stream.

Abstract: A pressure equalization apparatus for decreasing or eliminating the pressure differential between the internal pressure within a sealed system and the external ambient air pressure while concurrently sustaining a dry atmosphere inside the enclosure. The apparatus includes a variable volume chamber coupled in fluid communication with the sealed system and adapted to change its volume as in relation to the pressurization of the sealed system. Gas flowing between the sealed system and the variable volume chamber, as the pressurization changes, is exposed to an adsorbent operative for dehumidifying the exchanged gas.

Abstract: Product gas (Gpro) is separated from material gas (Gmat) by a PSA process utilizing a plurality of adsorption towers (A-C) each loaded with an adsorbent. The separation of the product gas (Gpro) is performed by repeating a cycle comprising an adsorption step, a decompression step, a desorption step, a cleaning step and a pressurization step. In the decompression step, remaining gas (Grem) as cleaning gas is introduced from one adsorption tower (C) to another adsorption tower (B). The amount of the remaining gas (Grem) introduced is 2 to 7 times the volume of the adsorbent loaded in the adsorption tower (B) as converted into volume at common temperature and under atmospheric pressure. To remove both of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from the material gas (Gmat) by a single kind of adsorbent, use is made of zeolite having a faujasite structure with a Si/Al ratio lying in a range of 1 to 1.5 and a lithium-exchange ratio of no less than 95%.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for venting a gas from a liquid delivery system are provided. A venting tube may be provided and may be positioned within a chamber that contains the liquid. The liquid may have a top surface within the chamber. The venting tube may have an opening covered by a liquiphobic membrane or a hydrophobic membrane. The membrane may define a plane or a surface which is not parallel to the top surface of the liquid. Gas may pass through a portion of the membrane into the venting tube. Moreover, the membrane may vent the gas. The membrane is non-parallel to the liquid, and, as a result, the membrane may be less prone to clogging.

Abstract: An air purification and disinfection apparatus incorporates an air inlet filter (1) spanning the intake of the apparatus, an ultraviolet light source (2) for treating the air within a chamber (14) of the apparatus, and an equalising screen (3) spanning the outlet of the apparatus. The chamber (14) is lined with a reflective sheet (11) or coating such that the ultraviolet light is reflected around the chamber (14). The air inlet filter (1) removes larger airborne particles from the airflow prior to entering the chamber (14). The light source (2) may be located in the chamber (14) or in a housing (16) which communicates with the chamber (14). With the reflective surface of the chamber (14), the intensity of the light source (2) can be maintained when dirt begins to build up on the light source (2), thereby extending the length of time that passes between each cleaning of the light source (2).

Abstract: A filtration system for filtering particulates from air. A plurality of point ionization sources are positioned in the proximity of the periphery of an air flow channel and being oriented to generate ions in the proximity of the air flow channel in a direction generally upstream from each respective one of the plurality of point ionization sources. A particulate collection surface is positioned within the air flow channel in a downstream direction from the plurality of point ionization sources. The particulate collection surface is electrostatically charged in an opposite direction with respect to ground than the electrical charge of the ions. An ion trap is positioned within the air flow channel between the plurality of ionization sources and the particulate collection surface. The ion trap is relatively electrically neutral as compared with the particulate collection surface and the ions.

Abstract: A system for producing and maintaining high purity degassed layup water for use in a power plant system during a layup period is disclosed. The liquid degassing system includes a degassing assembly for removing a predetermined amount of the undesired gases under vacuum pressure from the layup solution such that the amount of desired gases within the layup solution remains at or below standard values.

Abstract: A personal tabletop-type air cleaner is provided which is user-friendly and can improve smoke sucking efficiency in a simple configuration. The disclosed personal tabletop-type air cleaner has a front opening portion to suck air containing smoke of a cigarette, a blower to forcedly feed air having been sucked into the front opening portions in a centrifugal manner, a pair of right and left peripheral opening portions each being placed in a fringe portion on the right and the left at a front of the air cleaner and forming an air curtain by emitting air fed forcedly from the blower ahead of the front of the air cleaner, a dust collecting filter being placed between the front opening portion and the blower to remove cigarette odor, and a deodorizing filter being placed between the blower and each peripheral opening portion making up the pair of right and left peripheral opening portions to remove cigarette odor.

Abstract: A fuel storage system is provided including at least one storage tank, an exhaust port, a filter system, and at least one pump positioned to cause fluid to pass through a filter input port. The filter system comprises a filter input port coupled to the fluid vent port, a fuel vapor duct defining a flow path extending from the filter input port to a primary filter output port and a secondary filter output port partitioned from the fuel vapor duct by the permeable partition. At least one pump is positioned to cause fluid to pass through the filter input port. The storage tank and the pump are arranged such that major portions of the system operate below atmospheric pressure such that system leaks do not lead to release of fugitives from the fuel into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A beverage infusion package comprises a bag, made form a porous, fibrous tissue, containing a beverage perecursor material wherein said tissue material has been treated, by a metered dosing process, with a flavor retaining polysaccharide or modified polysaccharide. Also a tissue material suitable for use in making such a package.

Abstract: A non-newtonian, thixotropic jelly drink (1) comprising fruti juice, sweeteners, acidity regulators and preservatives and gelling agents has a pH in the range of pH 2.5 to pH 4.5 and can be stored in good condition for a reasonable length of time. The jelly drink is typically provided in a flexible container (2). A method is also described of producing a jelly drink.

Abstract: An apparatus for the brewing of a beverage by transmission of an aqueous fluid through a sachet (4,16,39) containing a beverage brewing ingredient, the apparatus comprising: one or more injectors (14,63) to inject the acqueous fluid into the sachet (4, 16,39) during the brewing; and a clamp for the sachet, the clamp comprising one or more members (1,2,12,13,30,31,61) that are movable to open and close the clamp, the members having inner surfaces which in a closed position of the clamp define a cavity adapted to substantially enclose and support the sachet (4, 16, 39) during the brewing and further adapted to define a beverage exit pathway in a lower part of the cavity, and wherein the inner surface of a least one clamp member comprises at least one deformable region (3, 30,43) mounted on a support that is movable while the clamp is in the closed position, whereby the shape of the cavity or of the exit pathway can be changed while the clamp is in the closed position to provide a desired brewing configuration o

Abstract: Portable combustible fuel automatic drip coffee making apparatuses use combustible fuels such as propane, butane, white gasoline, and kerosene to heat water which can be alternatively used to make drip coffee, or for other requirements calling for heated water, depending on the selected position of a switching valve. The portability of these devices is self contained and hand transportable. The inventive units are designed to be user maintained with easily cleanable or replaceable parts, as well as designed for manufacturing. These units are configured based on the specific fuel being used, and some units are designed to be able to use a variety of fuels in the same unit.

Abstract: A coffee apparatus comprises a coffee grinder which receives the coffee beans from a chamber which has a hermetically-sealed lid and a manually-operable venting valve, a sealing assembly for the outlet of the chamber, a vacuum pump capable of evacuating the chamber and a pressure switch connected to the vacuum pump and the chamber by a T-connector for turning on the pump to maintain a vacuum in the chamber when pressure in the chamber rises.

Abstract: A structure for warming cups in a coffee maker includes a pot and a lid. A pivot section is provided to a heating area of the pot. An insertion hole is respectively provided on both side walls in the pivot section of the pot. Another pivot section is provided to the lid with an elastic rod sandwiched between both side walls in the pivot section of the lid. An insertion bead is respectively provided to both ends of the elastic rod to be inserted into the insertion holes in the pivot section of the heating area by taking advantage of the return force of the elastic rod.

Abstract: A coffee hot and cold flush device comprises an upper receiving frame, a lower receiving frame, a hopper type earthen bowl, and a liquid collector. At least three support rods are connected the two receiving frame. The upper receiving frame, lower receiving frame and support rods are formed with a space having a size sufficient to receive the liquid collector. A center of the lower receiving frame has a receiving groove for placing the liquid collector. A center of the upper receiving frame is formed with an engaging hole for positioning the hopper type earthen bowl steadily. The hopper type earthen bowl has a bowl groove which is formed with a liquid guide incline. The liquid guide incline is inclined toward a middle liquid outlet. An isolating layer enclosed by filtering cloth is placed upon the liquid guide incline.

Abstract: A devise which makes use of the relative motion of a rotary plate inside a microwave oven for stirring food stuffs in a microwave oven so that an even heat distribution throughout the food is facilitated. The device consists of a Roof-Rail, a Roof-Fitting, and Stirring Implements and where necessary may employ a food receptacle securing method. The device is shown at FIG. 7 of the attached drawings.

Abstract: The machine enables food to be automatically cooked in a liquid or to complete its cooking. It comprises a vessel for the cooking liquid, elements for heating the cooking liquid, and elements for maintaining the liquid level in the cooking vessel substantially constant. The machine also comprises a series of liquid-permeable seats, each arranged to receive food to be cooked or whose cooking has to be completed, means for moving the seats along a predetermined cyclic path, during a part of which the food contained in the seats is immersed in the cooking for a time sufficient to cook the food or to complete its cooking, a station in which the food to be cooked or the food for completion of cooking can be fed into each seat, and a station in which the cooked food can be extracted from the relative seat.

Abstract: An improved device holds a skewer over a hot surface such as a grill or an open flame. The device preferably accommodates any type or size of skewer, It allows for skewered food to be rotated for even cooking or searing and prevents the skewered food from sticking to the grate of a grill while cooking.

Abstract: An improved device holds a skewer over a hot surface such as a grill or an open flame. The device preferably accommodates any type or size of skewer. It allows for skewered food to be rotated for even cooking or searing and prevents the skewered food from sticking to the grate of a grill while cooking.

Abstract: A wok with multiple bowls has a regularly sized and shaped main bowl with a number of additional smaller bowls built within the perimeter and raised slightly above the bottom of the larger bowl to permit cooking of a number of different ingredients for one dish or several different dishes at the same time in the same wok. A normal wok dish may be cooked in the larger bowl adaptable to any number of people and the smaller bowls may be used to simultaneously cook individual portions, components of one dish or several different dishes that should be restrained while cooking to prevent spreading that will occur in many egg dishes such as Chinese egg fu-yung patties.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved roasting bag for food items. The improved roasting bag contains a valve to drain fluids out of the bag. The improved roasting bag also contains a pair of handles which are used to orient and position the improved roasting bag while the fluids are draining out of the improved roasting bag. The invention also contains a vent slit to help facilitate the draining process. A number of different valve configurations are disclosed to use in conjunction with the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a production line for food products comprising a plurality of apparatus modules (1) arranged one after the other, each module being arranged to perform at least one manufacturing stage of the food product. The production line comprises a frame (2), which comprises driving means (3) for driving at least one apparatus module (1). At least one movable apparatus module (1) can be adapted to the driving means (3) in the frame (2) such that the apparatus module (1) can be driven by the driving means (1) in the frame (2).

Abstract: A machine for making sushi rolls has a support base (10) supporting a foldable plate (12) made of four strips of metal pivotally mounted one to the next along three parallel hinge lines (17). Four frame members (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) can be assembled to make a rectangular frame which is locatable on the plate (12) in either of two possible orientations, one of which defines a shallow recess and the other of which defines a deep recess to enable a thinner or thicker layer of rice to be applied to the plate which, after removal of the frame is folded to form a sushi roll having a thinner or thicker layer of cooked rice, so that the machine can produce sushi rolls with different bulks of filling.

Abstract: A barbecue grill smoker for placement in a barbecue grill to produce a flavored smoke when heated. The smoker includes a heat resistant receptacle with an interior cavity for receiving a flavored smoke source. The receptacle has a lid with a smoker control mechanism that serves to regulate the release rate of the smoke via a plurality of aligning apertures and openings that are moved from an open to closed position.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an anaerobic digestion of animal manures, energy crops and similar organic substrates. The process is capable of refining nutrients comprised in the digested biomass to fertilizers of commercial quality. The invention also provides a method for oprocessing animal carcasses or fractions thereof including meat and bone meal etc., with the objective of providing an alternative means for processing the organic waste material of animal origin while at the same time facilitating the production of fertilizers. The risk of spreading BSE prions or any other prions to animals or humans is thus substantially reduced if not eliminated. The biogas and slurry separation system according to the present ivnention is preferably integrated with the operations of animal husbandries into a total concept in which the internal and external performances of animal husbandries are optimised.