Abstract: A novel sensing device for measuring volume, position or mass of matter (11) comprising of a housing (12) having a removable top (13), a permanent bottom (14), an electronic oscillator board (15) having plurality of electronic components for measuring volume, position, or mass of matter. A coax type wire (16) having a first end (17) connected to said electronic oscillator board (15) and a second end (18) terminating at the bottom of receiver hole (20). A retainer (19) used to form said receiver hole (20) having a top end (21) open to said permanent bottom (14) on said housing (12) to accommodate said coax type wire (16). Said receiver hole 20 having a bottom end (22) having a solid area between said bottom end (22) and lower end (25) of said non-conductive material (23). Said non-conductive material (23) having an upper end (24) being attached by mounting means (26) to said permanent bottom (14) of housing (12).

Abstract: A flowmeter is described which has a retrievable housing conduit which is locatable within a conduit or pipe and which seals against the pipe so that fluid only flows through the housing conduit, and a flow restriction is created within the housing conduit to create a Venturi when in use. At least two spaced pressure measuring stations are provided along the housing conduit, one of the stations located at an unrestricted flow location, the other at a restricted flow location, whereby pressures measured at these stations can be used to calculate fluid flow rates. Embodiments of the invention are described.

Abstract: A flow direction detector is provided which includes a flow disruptor positioned in a fluid flow path to effect a detectable differential flow characteristic to such flow path based on fluid flow direction, and a sensor arrangement configured to detect such detectable differential flow characteristic within the flow path.

Abstract: Torque is measured in the chain wheel (50) of a pedal cycle by a non-contacting magnetic-based transducer. A magnetising source (70), a D.C. type of source such as a permanent magnet is positioned adjacent the chain wheel (50) to induce an arcuate magnetised zone (72) in the wheel (50) as it rotates. The zone emanates a torque-dependent magnetic-field component that is detectable by a sensor (74) that follows the source (70) in the direction of rotation. By having the magnetising source (70) continually in position the arcuate tranducer zone (72) is refreshed on each rotation of the chain wheel. The nature of the pulsating torque in the chain wheel due to the exertion of the rider and its relationship to the angle of the pedal cranks is discussed with a preference for positioning the source (70) and sensor (74) at positions of minimum and maximum exerted torque respectively. If the induced arcuate magnetisation is interrupted (76) pulses for measuring rotational speed are obtainable.

Abstract: A condenser unit for use with a sample preparation device comprises and inner tube, a hollow outer sleeve, and a fluid conduit. The outer sleeve is coaxially disposed around the inner tube to define a condenser body. The fluid conduit is interposed between the inner tube and the outer sleeve. A first portion of the fluid conduit extends along an axial length of the condenser body and a second portion of the fluid conduit extends along a circumferential length of the condenser body. A stirrer assembly for stiring a substance in a container enables a quantity of the substance to be dispensed into and withdrawn from the container during a stirring operation. The stirrer assembly comprises a holow stir rod, a hollow agitator element, and a fluid sampling instrument. The stir rod and agitator element cooperatively define a stirrer assembly interior, such that the fluid sampling instrument can be movably disposed therein.

Abstract: A pipetting device for detachably mountable pipette tips, comprising a moving device, a piston movable by the moving device in a cylinder to displace a column of air, an attachment stem for mounting a pipette tip, with an aperture having a connection to the cylinder at the free end, two stops limiting the movement of the piston during the displacement of the column of air, one of which is dislocatable, a precise adjustment device for dislocating the dislocatable stop in parallel with the piston for a precise adjustment of the piston stroke, a coupling device which puts the precise adjustment device into function, when coupled, and puts it out of function, when uncoupled, a rough adjustment device for dislocating the dislocatable stop when the precise adjustment device is uncoupled, for a rough adjustment of the piston stroke, and a measuring and indicating device coupled to the dislocatable stop for measuring the position set for the dislocatable stop and indicating the proportioning volume that matches the p

Abstract: Bulk material measurement packages are described including the preferred embodiment of an automated instrument package (AIP) suited to mount on the inside ceiling of a large silo. The gimbaled AIP vertical mounting bracket rotates in an approximate 360° azimuth. An instrument housing is mounted to the vertical mounting bracket, and it rotates approximately 190° in a vertical plane. The instrument housing has at least one range finding sensor such as a scanning laser to measure the top surface contours of the bulk material. The instrument housing can also contains other sensors such as air and quality instruments including temperature, humidity, spectral recognition sensor to detect grain/material type and/or flow rate, gas detectors for sniffing off-odors/spoilage/or safety problems, and live video. Optionally grain penetrating radar (GPR), time domain reflectometry (TDR), ultrasonics, and portable sensors are taught as well as alternate packaging.

Abstract: A weathering test method comprising making active oxygen and light simultaneously act on a test piece, a weathering test method comprising successive and/or alternate steps of making active oxygen and light simultaneously act on a test piece and making at least one of light, oxygen, and water to act on the test piece, and apparatus for carrying out the methods are disclosed. In evaluating weatherability of organic materials, articles made of organic materials or articles coated with organic materials, the methods and apparatus achieve acceleration of deterioration of test pieces to greatly reduce the testing time.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system of addressing pipeline anomalies prior to failure of pipeline integrity, and particularly to a pipeline inspection system integrating a novel serviceability acceptance criteria for pipeline anomalies, specifically wrinkles, with an improved method of correlating ultrasonic test data to actual anomaly characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting in chamber wafer position and process status are disclosed. A chamber includes a processing pedestal and plurality of lift pins. Each lift pin has an associated load cell for measuring the load exerted by the wafer on the lift pins. Mispositioned wafers or broken wafers will result in load measurements outside of expected ranges. Position of the wafer may be determined from the load distribution sensed on the lift pins.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an intrusion of an environmental substance into an environmentally sealed electronic components package. The electronic components package generally includes a plastic coated or plastic enclosed electronic component, that includes a printed circuit board and/or integrated circuits. The intrusion of the environmental substance into the electronic components package can be measured by one of a plurality of monitors. The monitors can detect the presence of the environmental substance and alert a user that a break in the seal of the electronic components package has occurred.

Abstract: A measuring device incorporating a substrate with sensors that measure the processing conditions that a wafer may undergo during manufacturing. The substrate can be inserted into a processing chamber by a robot head and the measuring device can transmit the conditions in real time or store the conditions for subsequent analysis. Sensitive electronic components of the device can be distanced or isolated from the most deleterious processing conditions in order increase the accuracy, operating range, and reliability of the device.

Abstract: Actuator device comprising a support (2); a longitudinal drive rod (8), part of the rear end (9) of which is mounted and rotates inside the support, and of which a front end section (17) has an external screw thread (18) and on its annular section, gear teeth (19); a longitudinal sheath (39) positioned around and coaxially to the drive rod has an internal screw thread; a series of rollers (28) positioned longitudinally between the drive rod and the sheath and having an external screw thread engaged with the external screw thread of the drive rod and with the internal screw thread of the sheath, and gear teeth engaged with the gear teeth of the drive rod. The helix angle of the screw thread of the rollers is equal to the screw thread helix angle of the screw thread of the drive rod, and different from the helix angle of the screw thread of the sheath.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for protecting impact to a rack bar of a power steering gearbox comprising an oil pressure cylinder, to which oil which has passed through an oil pressure pump and a rotary valve is supplied through a left port or right port, a rack bar disposed in the oil pressure cylinder and horizontally reciprocating, a piston fixed at the middle of the rack bar, a first lack bush and a second lack bush disposed at both ends of the cylinder, in which the piston moves, to close the cylinder, and bypass holes with a downward convex shape disposed at both ends of the cylinder adjacent to the first and second rack bushes, in which a part of oil pressure is released immediately before a piston of the rack bar moving by the power of oil pressure reaches a rack bush, whereby impact to the cylinder or noise is not generated.

Abstract: A high torque resistant and strong screwless plastic gear box has a reduced thickness at its output shaft. The gear box and a reduction drive assembly therein may be used particularly, but not exclusively, in a slot machine with a spinning drum or hopper which holds coins or tokens to be released therefrom. The gear box includes a main body and a cover which is ultrasonically welded thereto. Locating posts, holding tubes, inner welding pads, outer surrounding tubes, and locating ribs are provided to weld the cover to the main body. Acoustical chambers are formed between outer walls and inner arcuate walls of the main body. The inner arcuate walls surround all of the shafts and gears inside the main body. This double-walled construction reduces noise and provides surprising mechanical strength. All of the gears are mounted on only three shafts secured between the main body and the cover. Four of the gears are stacked on a single central shaft and rotate in two pairs independently of each other.

Abstract: A transmission shift position sensor that is adapted to provide an indication of the position of a transmission shift lever. The transmission shift position sensor includes a rotary position sensor and a rooster comb formed as an assembly. The direct coupling of the sensor to the rooster comb provides a positive indication of the automatic transmission shift sensor without the need for compensating for tolerances in mechanical linkages.

Abstract: The transmission gear shift lever device has a variable select lever ratio adapted to accommodate most of the operating mechanisms of the conventional TGS lever device without major design changes. The select lever ratio is a ratio of rotating angle of a select lever relative to the rotating angle of the TGS lever and can be varied during the select manipulation of the TGS lever, such that all shift stages in a 6-speed transmission can be controlled while the rotating angle of the TGS lever during the select manipulation is maintained at the same size as that of a conventional TGS lever device.

Abstract: A manipulation lever can be manipulated to select a first mode for automatically changing the drive range of an automatic transmission or a second mode for changing the drive range by manually manipulating the manipulation lever. The manipulation lever is shifted between the first mode in which a control lever moves mechanically with the manipulation lever and the second mode in which the control lever does not move with the manipulation lever. A first guide portion guides the manipulation lever and a second guide portion guides the clutch lever. When the manipulation lever is arranged at the drive position, the first and second guide portions permit the manipulation lever to be disengaged from the clutch lever. When the manipulation lever is arranged at positions other than the drive position, the first and second guide portions keep the manipulation lever to be engaged with the clutch lever.

Abstract: A collapsible control lever suitable for use on a motorcycle includes a handlebar mount, an intermediate section and a lever section. The intermediate section and lever section are capable of rotation with respect to the handlebar mount between a relaxed position and an actuated position in order to provide control lever functions, such as disengaging a manual clutch. The lever section is capable of rotation with respect to the intermediate section between a normal position and a fully deflected position in order to avoid damage in the event of the motorcycle overturning. The lever section may be biased to its normal position.

Abstract: A cycle handle structure is composed of a base, a clamp and a handle. The clamp is welded on a post of the base. The clamp comprises a front piece and a rear piece, which enwraps the handle, whereas a knob protrudes outwardly from the handle to slide into a slot of the front piece of the clamp, that allows the knob to slide within the slot to adjust position of the handle for different users to the most appropriate position.

Abstract: A front strut structure for a children's tricycle comprises a front strut, a handle support, and a handle, wherein the front strut has a pair of hollow outer pipes with holes thereon, the handle support has a pair of insertion rods each with a reduced section having holes and a fastener. By inserting the insertion rods of the handle support into the outer pipes of the front strut to facilitate the installation, whereas the fasteners extend through the holes of the handle support and the front strut to secure the handle support and the front strut together.

Abstract: A collapsible pedal box for an automobile is designed to collapse in the case of a frontal impact of the automobile, to reduce the risk of trapping the driver's feet. One or more pedals (13) are supported on a pivot shaft which is supported at its ends by pivot shaft supports (15,17) locked with respect to the side walls (1,3) of the pedal box that they are prevented from moving outwardly along an axis of the pivot shaft. Relative movement between the pedal box and another structural member within the driver's compartment in the case of a front-end impact causes first the unlocking and then the movement apart of the pivot shaft supports (15,17), and release of the pivot shaft and pedal assembly.

Abstract: A piston-rod assembly with a piston rod having at least one attachment at one end. The piston rod is fabricated of fiber reinforced composite. The piston rod has a body of fiber-reinforced ceramic with a basic matrix of carbon fibers or ceramic fibers or both wherein at least silicon carbide is embedded and with an open porosity, at least at the surface layer, of no more than 3% of the volume of that layer admitting lubricants into the pores. The at least one attachment (2, 18a, 19, or 22) includes at least one component of a non-ceramic material that fits into and/or interlocks with the piston rod.

Abstract: A transmission case is provided with a housing enclosing a clutch and/or torque converter connected to an engine, and a shifting mechanism case enclosing a shifting mechanism in an oil-tight state that is connected to the housing. A focus for stress resulting from an impact load acting on the transmission case is formed as a frangible portion in the housing. Thus, damage to the transmission from an excessive load is limited to the housing, and by absorbing the impact from that damage, damage to the shifting mechanism case is prevented and oil leakage from the transmission case is avoided.

Abstract: A process for making an article with ballistic protective effect and an article obtainable thereby, as well as a method of providing an object with ballistic protection provided by a corresponding material. The alloys used for making the article comprise the elements C, Si, Mn, Cr, Ni, Mo and V within certain concentration ranges and contain a limited amount of impurities. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A metal powder produced by a process which comprises directing at least three successive gas beams at a molten metal stream inside an atomization chamber, the at least three gas beams being oriented in different directions. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A molten-bath based direct smelting process and apparatus for producing metals from a ferrous material is disclosed. The process includes injecting feed materials being solid material and carrier gas into a molten bath at a velocity of at least 40 m/s through at least one downwardly extending solids injection lance having a delivery tube of internal diameter of 40-200 mm that is located so that a central axis of an outlet end of the lance is at an angle of 20 to 90 degrees to a horizontal axis. The feed materials injection generates a superficial gas flow of at least 0.04 Nm3/s/m2 within the molten bath at least in part by reactions of injected material in the bath. The gas now causes molten material to be projected upwardly as splashes, droplets and streams and form an expanded molten bath zone, with the gas flow and the upwardly projected molten material causing substantial movement of material within the molten bath and strong mixing of the molten bath.

Abstract: The process comprises the following stages: a) leaching; b) solid-liquid separation; c) neutralization of the aqueous solution; d) solid-liquid separation of the zinc-rich solution; e) zinc extraction; f) purification of the organic solvent from the extraction stage; g) stripping the ionic zinc loaded in the organic solvent; h) recovering the zinc contained in the aqueous acid solution from the stripping. The following barriers to impurities have been established: gentle leaching; alkaline pulp treatment; treatment of a small stream of aqueous solution, collected before and/or after the zinc extraction at step e); high selectivity of the dissolved zinc extraction; treatment of the zinc loaded in the organic solvent; cleaning treatment of the zinc-laden organic solvent, with an ultra-pure acid solution; partial bleeding and treatment of the stripped organic solvent; bleed of small stream of the final product producing loop, which will be recycled to the organic loop.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for setting stones in jewelry is disclosed. The apparatus includes two or more wheels and a jewelry mount secured to a body. The body is configured to bring the wheels in contact with a set edge of an item of jewelry secured in the jewelry mount. The wheels are then rotated about the periphery of the set edge to roll the edge over the stone and thereby, to secure the stone in the setting.

Abstract: A squeeze type, rotating wrench has a toothed drive gear for receiving selected tool elements. The drive gear is driven in a selected direction by a push arm and reversible pawl upon squeezing of a pair of handles relative to each other. Reversing the direction of rotation is accomplished by pivoting the pawl from one position to another relative to the push arm.

Abstract: A hand tool may be constructed with one or more longitudinally reciprocating serrated inserts held by a pair of oppositely facing jaws forming an arc, with a first of the jaws defining an arcuate greater section of the arc and containing a first passage opening into the arc to expose a plurality of lands separated by intervening teeth of a movable ratcheting element, and a second of the jaws containing an arcuate lesser section of the arc and being perforated by a second passage opening into said arc to expose a plurality of lands separated by intervening teeth of an opposing ratcheting element, in a plurality of cooperating alignments with the lands and teeth of the movable element.

Abstract: A hex wrench includes a head with notches defined in an outer periphery thereof and the notches are located to face the inside of the object. The inside of the object is deformed during being rotated by the head and engaged with the notches so as to increase the feature of anti-slippery between the head of the wrench and the object.

Abstract: A cutoff die set for cutting tubing that comprises an upper die section having a cutoff blade, the upper die section being movable in translational reciprocating motion. The cutoff die set also comprises a lower die section having a first jaw guide section and a second jaw guide section. The first jaw guide section and second jaw guide section are operable with each other to secure the tubing during cutting. The lower die section further comprises a scarfing blade. The scarfing blade is operably linked with the upper die section such that movement by the upper die section causes the scarfing blade to move in translational motion to remove a substantially flat surface of the tubing and form an opening. The cutoff blade enters the opening to cut the tubing.

Abstract: A laminate sheet material punching method, in which a part of a cover sheet is punched from a laminate sheet material including the cover sheet which has an adhesive film formed at one surface thereof and is adhered to a recording side of a disk substrate of an optical disk via the adhesive film, a strip-off sheet adhered to a surface of the adhesive film on the cover sheet and a protective sheet adhered to the opposite surface of the cover sheet, in a shape corresponding to a shape of the recording side of the disk substrate, the laminate sheet material punching method includes the steps of: pressing a punching blade whose blade tip extends along a path corresponding to the peripheral edge of the recording side of the disk substrate, against the surface of the strip-off sheet; cutting the strip-off sheet and the cover sheet with the punching blade.

Abstract: The invention provides a slicing and conveying system that includes a slicing blade that cuts slices from a loaf, and an output conveyor located below the slicing blade for receiving the slices in a draft. A control system automatically adjusts a lateral movement of the output conveyor to form a laterally shingled draft of a consistent width in response to a sensed lateral dimension of the loaf being sliced. The control system includes a displacement sensor carried by a laterally adjustable guide assembly adjacent to the slicing blade. The displacement sensor is signal-connected to a control. The control is signal-connected to the output conveyor to control the lateral movement of the output conveyor according to the lateral dimension of the loaf sensed by the displacement sensor. As an additional aspect, the slices can be shingled in the longitudinal direction to form a two dimensional footprint.

Abstract: A machine tool has a column that supports a spindle head in such a manner as to be movable in an axial direction of the spindle. A table on which a workpiece is mounted is moved in directions orthogonal to the axial direction of the spindle. A cutting liquid feed device is fixed to the column through a support member. The cutting liquid feed device includes a cutting liquid nozzle and a shower nozzle. The cutting liquid nozzle is adapted to discharge the cutting liquid toward a tool mounted to the spindle. The shower nozzle is adapted to discharge the cutting liquid in a shape of film (shower curtain) so as to surround a cutting area.

Abstract: A worktable, which is incorporated with a cutting machine, includes a table body and a cutting end support. The table body has at least a guiding rail formed on an upper surface for guiding a cutting pathway of a saw blade wherein the guiding rail has an opening end portion extended from an edge of the table body. The cutting end support is mounted on the table body at the opening end portion of the guiding rail. The saw blade is adapted to cut through the cutting end support to form a cutting groove when the saw blade is suspendedly slid along the opening end portion of the guiding rail. Therefore, a bottom side of an edge portion of the work piece is substantially supported by the cutting end support when the saw blade cuts the edge portion of the work piece through the cutting groove.

Abstract: A compound Venetian blind cutting and trimming machine, more specifically, a cutting machine capable of synchronously cutting and trimming a Venetian blind of wooden and metallic materials, mainly comprises a base plate with a through slot disposed on the front plane of the said base plate and provided for every material to extend through; a filing blade moving transversely is disposed on one lateral side of a material feeding blade; the upper rim of the said base plate is provided for the sliding of a replaceable hand-held electric saw; the existence of the two cutting tools of the said electric saw and the filing blade cuts and trims the metallic or wooden materials of a venetian blind at the same time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the double-sided edge-trimming of rolled sections and/or metal sheets, using rotary shears and cut-off shears for cutting up the cut-off edge, the cut-off shears being allocated to a respective set of rotary shears and being located below said rotary shears in an offset manner in relation to the line of travel of the product to be edge-trimmed. The device has a respective pair of drive rollers on the feed and discharge side of the rotary shears, each set of rotary shears (2, 2′), each set of cut-off shears (3, 3′) and each pair of drive rollers (4, 4′; 5, 5′) being positioned together on at least one base body (11, 11′). One base body (11, 11′) is fixed and the second base body (11, 11′) can be displaced and subsequently fixed in a setting for different edge-trimming widths of the rolled section and/or metal sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for machining band-like or plate-like material (1), especially for punching, notching and forming it, the device comprising the body (2) of the device, at least one tool holder (3), most preferably a gap frame tool holder, between the upper branch (4) and lower branch (5) of which the material (1) to be processed is arranged to be fed, and to the upper branch (4) of which tool holder (3) is connected an upper tool magazine (6) comprising a plurality of upper tools (8), and to the lower branch (5) of which tool holder (3) is connected a lower tool magazine (7) comprising lower tools (9) corresponding to the said upper tools (8), a support means (10) for supporting the tool holder (3) movably on the body (2) of the device, a transfer means (11) for positioning the tool holder (3) in a transverse direction (B) with respect to the direction of feed (A) of the material (1) to be processed, and a power means (12) for effecting the machining movement for the tool comprised of the up

Abstract: A disc saw felling head has a replaceable lower blade housing and an optional replaceable wear liner in the housing.

Abstract: An acoustic device having a sound volume control is provided. The device includes a sound generating body and a resonator having a mount member to which the sound generating body is mounted. According to the invention, a sound control member is provided to control the transmission of sound from the sound generating body to the resonator to control the sound volume. In one aspect, the sound control member is capable of adjusting a contact pressure between the sound generating body and the mount member to vary the sound volume more precisely.

Abstract: A guitar configuration that has improved playability without requiring a raised fret or fingerboards or a neck that extends through the resonance chamber all the way to the sound hole is disclosed. The particular construction of the present invention includes a soundboard with a partially curved portion that provides additional clearance for the guitarist's hand thereby allowing the guitarist to play the higher fret positions without changing the position of the fretting hand. The tapered construction of the soundboard is achieved while maintaining the structural integrity of the guitar construction while eliminating the need for extending the neck of the guitar through the sound chamber up to the sound hole in the sounding board.

Abstract: The Floating Blade Plectrum is a general purpose plectrum suitable for all types of acoustic guitar playing. It eliminates all the disadvantages of conventional plectra. It comprises a relatively short thick plastic ‘blade’ connected by a ‘non-rigid attachment’ to two ‘rigidity layers’ made of soft flexible rubber. These are enclosed between two ‘grip layers’ made of soft, flexible, non-slip rubber. Between the ‘rigidity layers’ and the ‘grip layers’ are two ‘moment plates’ made of thin rigid material. The plectrum is held in a pen-holding grip between the thumb and first finger. The grip remains constant, the rigidity of the plectrum is altered by varying the grip pressure. The presence of the ‘moment plates’ increases the sensitivity of the plectrum such that for a similar increase in grip pressure the rigidity of the plectrum is greater; the minimum rigidity is unaltered but the maximum rigidity is increased.

Abstract: Improved Stringed Instrument Stand with an L shaped bracket having a centrally located clevis joint, a hinged flat stand member, and a retaining clip, the L shaped member capable of retaining a washer, the washer having a plurality of engagement fingers that are able to engage with one of a plurality of mating linear engagement receptacles. The washer has a centrally located aperture that allows the retention of a strap holding screw of a stringed instrument. The washer is able to be placed higher or lower within the L shaped bracket thereby allowing stringed instruments having different body thickness's to be accommodated by the bracket without having to drill additional holes in the body the stringed instrument. A hinged flat stand member folds open to help hold the instrument in an upright position when being placed on a flat surface and folded closed when the instrument is being played.

Abstract: A conically shaped, keyless plastic wind instrument with eight holes, consisting of a single body and a detachable a mouthpiece. The instrument is fully chromatic and capable of playing in any of the traditional twelve keys of Western music—producing notes through a player's vibration of a single reed affixed to a soprano saxophone type mouthpiece, and through the opening or closing of a plurality of tone holes along its length by use of the fingers. The instrument is one of a family of keyless saxophones which can be pitched in the alto, soprano, and soprano range by the lengthening or shortening of the body and by changing the location of the eight finger holes.

Abstract: Snares for snare drums which decouple tensioning from the dimension and shape of snare segments which contact the drum head. According to various embodiments, the snares include one or more tensioning members and a plurality of head contact members. The tensioning members may be connected to conventional snare strainer plates or end pieces. Some or all of the tensioning members support or carry one or more head contact members. The tensioning members may be wire, polymeric material or other desired material. The head contact members may be wire coils or helixes, formed of beads or other periodic or non-periodic shapes or structures or structured and configured as otherwise desired to be carried on tension members and cooperate effectively with the drum head for proper acoustical effect. The snares are adapted to be used with batter and bottom heads.

Abstract: A “Measure Minder” device has two display housing parts connected together so that the first display face is viewable to the instructor and the second display face is viewable to the students. The display face includes a first digital display for indicating to the conductor/instructor the measure count of the composition being played. A first blinking display is also provided, indicating to the conductor/instructor the selected number of beats per measure at the selected tempo. A keypad on the first display face allows the conductor/instructor to select the tempo, number of beats per measure, measure count, start or stop the displays, and turn power on and off.

Abstract: Title information on music composition data recorded on a reproduction CD is acquired from a title information providing site and recorded on a recording MD together with composition data. A recording/reproducing apparatus (100) transmits TOC information acquired from the reproduction CD to a title information providing server (500) through a communication device (200), a wireless public communication network (WNET), a communication exchange (400), and the Internet (INET). The title information providing server (500) creates an inquiry code corresponding to the received TOC information and transmits it to a title information database (600). The title information database (600) sends a response code corresponding to the inquiry code as a reply to the title information providing server (500).

Abstract: A system and method including an agent for selecting at least two songs among simultaneously streaming songs based on user information and inserting additional content in the duration of time between the end of the earlier song and the start of the later song.