Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes: a vibrator that is polarized in one direction; a weight that is connected to the vibrator; and a pair of electrodes that are adjacent to each other in the polarization direction and are placed on a first face of the vibrator. The pair of electrodes are located on a diagonal line on the first face of the vibrator. With this electrode structure, voltage is constantly produced in the pair of electrodes, no matter which one of the three axes of the vibrator receives acceleration. Thus, a non-directional acceleration sensor can be realized. Also, the sensitivity to tri-axial acceleration can be easily adjusted by changing the sizes of the electrodes in relation to the size of the vibrator.

Abstract: A palm-held acoustical sensing device provides improved accessibility within an engine compartment for sensing engine noise in order to perform diagnostics. Miniaturized electronics are provided within a compact housing that permits free use of the sensing device within an engine compartment, enabling access to engine components that have previously been accessible only with great difficulty. Clamping sensors having wider bandwidth than existing clamping sensors provide improved sensing capability and an electronics and battery housing having one or more sensor input jacks provides for attachment of multiple sensors, improved storage and a lower cost unit providing the advantages of both a flexible shaft sensing unit and a clamping unit.

Abstract: A method for testing or inspecting the integrity of package closure seals using contact and non-contact ultrasonic systems wherein a relative movement is created between a package seal and at least one ultrasonic transmitting transducer and at least one receiving transducer such that ultrasonic energy is focused so as to be transmitted toward and along a length of the seal from the transmitting transducer to the receiving transducer in a gaseous environment to thereby monitor energy signals which are analyzed to provide an indication of the seal integrity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to remotely determining local physical parameters in a fluid-filled cavity (e.g. heart cavities, blood vessels, industrial container) by means of ultrasound waves and encapsulated or stabilised gas bubbles. A measuring method, a method of diagnostic ultrasound of the same and an apparatus for remotely determining ambient physical local parameters of a fluid-filled cavity are disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber grating pressure sensor includes an optical sensing element which includes an optical fiber having a Bragg grating impressed therein which is encased within and fused to at least a portion of a glass capillary tube and/or a large diameter waveguide grating having a core and a wide cladding. Light is incident on the grating and light is reflected from the grating at a reflection wavelength &lgr;1. The sensing element may be used by itself as a sensor or located within a housing. When external pressure P increases, the grating is compressed and the reflection wavelength &lgr;1 changes. The shape of the sensing element may have other geometries, e.g., a “dogbone” shape, so as to enhance the sensitivity of shift in &lgr;1 due to applied external pressure and may be fused to an outer shell.

Abstract: A differential pressure/pressure transmitter includes a detecting section, a transmitting section, and a pair of pressure introducing covers. The detecting section has a pair of barrier diaphragms in its opposing side surfaces, and detects a deferential pressure of a to-be-measured fluid applied to the pair of barrier diaphragms. The transmitting section is attached to the detecting section. The pressure introducing covers have pressure introducing holes for guiding pressure to the pair of barrier diaphragms, and hold the two side surfaces of the detecting section, thus covering the pair of barrier diaphragms. The detecting section is held by the pair of pressure introducing covers such that its angle is changeable about a center axis thereof. The transmitting section is attached such that its angle can be changed about a center axis thereof which is perpendicular to the center axis of the detecting section.

Abstract: The pressure cell device according to the invention serves for measuring hydraulic pressures in hydraulic mining devices in an inherently secure service region. It is provided with a connection element which can be connected to a pressure reception connection and with a sensor housing, on the inside of which is arranged a hydroelectric pressure transducer which is pressurised by the hydraulic pressure present at the pressure reception connection and converts this into an electrical signal. So as to ensure high measurement accuracy over a long operating period, without it being necessary to have exchanges of the pressure transducer or its new calibration, it is provided according to the invention that the pressure transducer comprises a ceramic pressure measuring cell.

Abstract: A microelectronic pressure sensor comprises a resonator (23) made on the basis of a crystalline material and secured to the inside of package (24) made use of a cap (27) and a baseplate (26) for assembling one to the other. The cap (27) and the baseplate (26) are made completely or almost completely out of the same material as the resonator (23), and the pressure (Pe) to be detected is applied all around the package.

Abstract: Extraordinary piezoconductance, or change in conductance with strain or pressure, is observed in a hybrid metal-semiconductor device formed from a semiconductor thin film and an adjacent metal shunt fabricated on a semi-insulating substrate. The device includes electrodes for applying a current to the device and for measuring a resulting induced voltage. Strain that is induced in the device, including at the interface between the semiconductor and the metal shunt, changes the resistance at the interface. The device can be used to measure strain or environmental conditions such as pressure or temperature. A sensor using the device includes a frame with a thin membrane on which the device is carried. Deformations in the membrane are transferred to the device to induce strain in the device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor has a pair of ultrasound transducers and is adapted to be inserted in and able to perform at a single site of introduction into a duct, a manifold, or a pipe. The ultrasonic sensor measures a forward ultrasonic path transit time and a second reverse ultrasonic path transit time of ultrasound signals propagating in a fluid. The arrangement being such that a comparison of the signal associated with ultrasound travel in one direction with that of the signal associated with ultrasound travel in the opposite direction enables the flow rate of the fluid in the duct to be determined. The ultrasonic sensor may utilize a curved reflecting surface on the duct and a reflective surface of an ultrasonic sensor end cap or housing to provide forward and reverse ultrasonic W-shaped paths.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus wherein an existing valve in a pipeline for carrying fluids such as water e.g. in a water distribution system can be connected, permanently or temporarily, to an electronics unit such that when the electronics unit is connected, the flow direction and flow rate of the water can be determined.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining the torque magnitude transferred to a threaded fastener (25) at each one of a series of torque impulses delivered to the fastener (25), including application of repeated torque impulses on the fastener (25) by a power tool having a motor (20) with a rotor (21) and a pulse unit (23) intermittently coupling the pulse unit (23) to an output shaft (24). The pulse unit (23) comprises an inertia drive member (27) which is accelerated by the motor (20) and arranged to transfer its kinetic energy to the output shaft (24) at each torque impulse, and a rotation detecting device (35, 38) is provided to indicate the instantaneous rotation movement of the inertia drive member (27).

Abstract: A device for determining the absolute angular position of a turning device with respect to a fixed structure, including an encoder provided with a main multipolar track and a multipolar track called “top turn”, said top turn track includes M singularities which are distributed angularly so that the top turn signal (C) is arranged so as to define, in conjunction with the signals A and B, the binary sequences which are each representative of an absolute angular position of the encoder. The invention also concerns a steering system for automobiles as well as a bearing including such a device.

Abstract: In a device for measuring pressures, temperatures, pulses, strains and other values in and of hose lines with a fitting during operation, the hose line (1) or the fitting has at least one measuring unit (6) which comprises at least one sensor (8) for each measured value, a transponder (13) and an antenna (10) for wireless data transmission to an external evaluating unit.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting an accumulation (9) of a solid material in a vessel (2) that contains at least one fluid phase. The device comprises an electric conductor element (10) that is positioned in a region inside the vessel (2) where the accumulation (9) is likely to occur, the electric resistance of the conductor element (10) being a function of the temperature thereof, and means (12) for providing electrical power to the conductor element (10) and means (13) for measuring the electrical resistance of the conductor element (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of micromovement measuring and can be used for recording creeping and dynamic infraprocesses both of natural and artificial origin, for example, seismic processes or infrasound and gravitation waves. The object of the invention is to raise sensitivity of measuring in a wide dynamic range. The micromovement measuring device consists of measuring element (2) and sensitive element (1), membrane (10), signal conditioner (6), the output of which is connected to the winding og the fixing electromagnet (4). According to the invention, the device is additionally provided with the pulling electromagnet (5), which interacts with the measuring element (2), the winding og the pulling electromagnet being connected to the second inverse output of the signal conditioner (6). The pulling electromagnet shall be preferably located on the membrane (10) that increases the range of the measurable movements.

Abstract: A device for providing displacement information includes a housing holding a displacement sensor. The displacement sensor includes a coil and a captive core. An electrical measurement of the coil provides information about displacement of the core. The coil has an axis extending in a first direction, wherein the housing has a minimum outside dimension that is less than 3.00 mm when measured perpendicular to that first direction. The housing has an inner surface having a housing inside dimension. The housing is for holding a displacement sensor and a guidance mechanism. The displacement sensor includes a coil and a captive core having a core outside dimension. The guidance mechanism includes a first part and a second part for guiding the core. The first part includes a bearing connected to the housing. The bearing has an axial hole having a hole dimension about equal to the core outside dimension. The core slidably extends through this axial hole.

Abstract: Motor vehicle starter comprising a starter head provided with a pinion (1), a driver (2) and a coupling device with a conical clutch for coupling the pinion to the driver (2), in which the conical clutch comprises a first frustoconical friction surface (8) fixed to the pinion and a second frustoconical friction surface (8′) with a shape complementary to the first surface (8) and fixed to the driver and in which the coupling device comprises on the one hand a hollow-shaped coupling piece having a bottom extended by an annular skirt directed axially towards one of the elements consisting of pinion and driver and on the other hand axially acting elastic means (10) bearing on a first stop fixed to the coupling piece for acting on a second stop fixed to one of the elements consisting of pinion and driver; the skirt is fixed to the pinion or driver and carries internally the surface (8, 8′) concerned.

Abstract: In a traction roller type reduction gear (3a) disposed in the middle of a passage for transmitting power from a starter motor to the rotating shaft of an engine, a relation Pmean>{(Umax)1/2}/9 or Pmean>0.3[GPa] is satisfied, assuming the maximum circumferential speed of a drive side cylindrical surface (42) under use state is Umax [m/sec], and the average contact pressure at the radially outer side contact area (50b) of a movable roller (25) based on the preload of a compression coil spring (45) is Pmean [Gpa]. According to the arrangement, transmission efficiency is ensured by preventing slip at both radially inner and outer side contact areas (49a, 49b, 50a, 50b) even during light load operation and damage such as seizure can be prevented.

Abstract: A flexible gap covering between an adjustable steering column of a motor vehicle and an instrument panel, on one side, is fastened to the steering column covering and, on the other side, is fastened to the instrument panel. A flexible gap covering which permits a large adjusting range of the steering column, is easy to mount and has a corresponding appearance, has an upper covering and a lower covering. The upper covering is formed of two parts, which are arranged above one another and are fixedly connected with one another in a joint overlapping area. At least one tensioning element is applied to the overlapping area on the side facing away from the vehicle occupant compartment.

Abstract: The conversion of vibration induced rotation into translational motion is effected by engaging two threaded bodies with a gap between them and vibrating one of the bodies to induce rolling contact rotation between the threads of the bodies relative to each other and generating a net translational motion of the other body along the axis of the threads of the translating body.

Abstract: A transmission system including a shift mechanism for operating and controlling the transmission system. To automatically detect geometric characteristic values of the transmission system or of the shifting device a selector motor and a shift motor actuate a selector finger that is displaceably mounted in a selection-shift-passageway layout. Starting from an initial position whose coordinates within the selection-shift-passageway layout are unknown, the selector finger is displaced in the directions of shifting and in the directions of selection in order to detect paths of movement in the direction of selection or shifting. The selector finger is repeatedly displaced to establish the maximum paths of movement until the predetermined transmission geometric characteristic values are completely detected. Also disclosed are a control device for controlling a transmission system that includes a shift mechanism, and a method for controlling such a transmission system.

Abstract: A hypoid speed reducer and a group of such devices capable of providing a high reduction ratio and still capable of reducing noise, lowering costs, enabling size reduction, and improving productivity. The hypoid speed reducer comprises a pinion shaft having a hypoid pinion formed thereon, and a hypoid gear set having a hypoid gear mating with the hypoid pinion. The hypoid speed reducer is constructed as a four-stage hypoid speed reducer having four gear sets including the hypoid gear set as the first-stage gear set, all of these gear sets being accommodated in a single gear box.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromotive drive comprising an electric motor, having a driving pinion which meshes with a toothed wheel to form a first gear speed. A worm is connected to an output shaft of the toothed wheel in a fixed manner, enabling a worm wheel to be driven. The worm and the worm wheel form a second gear speed, and the shaft of the worm wheel forms the output shaft of the electromotive drive. The output shaft of the electromotive drive can be rotatably driven between a starting position and an end position. When the electric motor is not fed by a current, the output shaft of the toothed wheel can be rotatably driven by a pull-back spring in the rotational direction towards the starting position. The second gear speed is a non-self-locking gear speed.

Abstract: An articulated manipulator includes a first link c1, a second link c2, a third link c3, a fourth link c4, a fifth link c5 and a sixth link c6. The first link c1 is connected to a base 21 for rotation about a rotation axis aligned with the axis of the first link c1, the first and the second link are connected by a diagonal joint d2, the second and the third link are connected by a diagonal joint d3 so as to be turnable about a rotation axis L3 parallel to a rotation axis L2 about which the first and the second link are turned, the third and the fourth link are connected by a diagonal joint d4 so as to be turnable about a rotation axis L4perpendicular to the rotation axes L3, the fourth and the fifth link are connected by a coaxial joint d5, and the fifth and the sixth link are connected by a diagonal joint d6. The articulated manipulator has a large work volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock absorbing type steering device in which variations in press fitting loads corresponding to a friction force between two columns are decreased, whereby a shock can be appropriately absorbed by relative movements of the two columns in an axial direction. According to the shock absorbing type steering device, at least one of a first column and a second column press fitted into an opening at one end of the first column is formed with swaged parts on a peripheral wall thereof at a plurality of positions having intervals in a circumferential direction of the column, respectively at a plurality of positions having intervals in an axial direction of the column. And, positions of tip ends of said swaged parts are difference between a group of swaged parts near the opening at the end of said first column and other groups remote from the opening.

Abstract: A cable assembly includes an adjuster body having a plurality of teeth, a slider movable along the adjuster body, and a lock body having a plurality of teeth. The lock body is movable between a disengaged position allowing movement of the slider along the adjuster body and an engaged position preventing movement of the slider along the adjuster body. A mounting bracket receives the slider and has edges located in opposed lateral slots of the lock body. The lock body has a first section on one side of the mounting bracket which interlocks with the slider and a second section on the other side of the mounting bracket which forms the plurality of teeth. The interlock includes tabs of the first section extending into pockets of the slider. The lock body has a snap lock at one end opposed to the mounting bracket and engagable with the slider.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable pedal, in particular for motor vehicles, by means of which the pedal foot, to be actuated, of the pedal is set optimally to the driver's size. During the adjustment of the pedal, the pedal foot is displaced parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. For this purpose, the adjustable pedal has a pedal and at least one subpedal and also a linkage adjustable by means of an actuator, the actuator changing the angular relationship between adjacent components of the linkage.

Abstract: A grip includes a tubular grip body for mounting a vehicle handlebar. A locating member is fastened to one end of the grip body and partially inserted into the vehicle handlebar. A tightening up member is inserted into the inside of the vehicle handlebar. A nut is fastened to the tightening up member. A screw is mounted in the locating member and threaded into the nut in the tightening up member and adapted to drive the nut and the tightening up member toward the locating member and to radially force the tightening up member against the inside wall of the vehicle handlebar when fastened up.

Abstract: A system and method for relieving and preventing fatigue caused by extended gripping of a vehicle/vessel steering wheel. The system includes a first section that attaches to the rim of the steering wheel at a predetermined location and a deformable second section that connects to, and extends outwardly from, the first section. The deformable second section supports a portion of the body such as wrists, hands, and forearms.

Abstract: A retractor clamp assembly includes a clamp positionable about a support ring. A retractor shaft extends from the clamp and has a connector at the end with a retractor blade connected thereto by a stem. The connector is preferably equipped with a first slot limiting the side to side angular range of motion of the retractor blade stem relative to the retractor shaft, and a second slot limiting the top to bottom range of motion of the retractor blade stem relative to the retractor shaft. This allows the retractor blade to be maintained and/or positioned in an optimum position relative to retracted tissue while allowing the retractor shaft to be selectively positioned by a user.

Abstract: A pedal having two treading surfaces comprises a pedal body, retaining pieces, and an elastic positioning device. A front end and a rear end of the pedal body are formed as a receiving portion. The two retaining pieces are pivotally installed at a receiving portion at two opposite sides of the pedal body. Each retaining piece has three operation surfaces The first operation surface and second operation surface are at two opposite sides. The third operation surface is between the first operation surface and the second operation surface. The elastic positioning device is formed by a positioning piece and two elastomers. The positioning piece is locked to the receiving portion by the screw. A screw rod passes through the two elastomers so that the two elastomers are pivotally installed in the retaining piece. By above components, a pedal having two treading surfaces are assembled with less components.

Abstract: A titanium based carbonitride alloy containing Ti, Nb, W, C, N and Co. The alloy also contains, in addition to Ti, 9-14 at % Co with only impurity levels of Ni and Fe, 1-<3 at % Nb, 3-8 at % W and has a C/(C+N) ratio of 0.50-0.75. The amount of undissolved Ti(C,N) cores should be kept between 26 and 37 vol % of the hard constituents, the balance being one or more complex carbonitrides containing Ti, Nb and W. The alloy is particularly useful for milling of steel.

Abstract: Metal-containing materials, as well as their preparation and use are disclosed. The metal-containing material can be, for example, an antimicrobial material, an anti-biofilm material, an antibacterial material, an anti-inflammatory material, an anti-fungal material, an anti-viral material, an anti-cancer material, a pro-apoptosis material, anti-proliferative, MMP modulating material, an atomically disordered, crystalline material, and/or a nanocrystalline material. In certain embodiments, the metal-containing material is an atomically disordered, nanocrystalline silver-containing material.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a folding knife comprising a blade (1), a blade housing (2) having an interior and an exterior, a folding element (7) connecting the blade (1) to the interior (4-1/4-2) of the blade housing (2), and one or more sharpening elements, e.g., (18-2) connected to the interior (4-1/4-2) of the blade housing (2). In one embodiment, the folding blade 1 comprises a convex side (13-1) with an angled bevel (10-2′/10-2″) and further comprises a hollow ground side (13-2′) with a small raised flat bevel (10-1′), the blade 1 further comprising a sharp edge (11) formed by the intersection of the angled bevel (10-2′/10-2″) and the small raised flat bevel (10-1′). A method of making such folding knife blades is also provided.

Abstract: A wrench includes a head, a handle, a socket, a pawl and a switch. The head defines a horizontal tunnel. The handle extends movably through the horizontal tunnel and includes two stops attached thereto for retaining the handle on the head. The socket is rotationally connected with the head. The socket includes an internal face including a toothed portion and a non-circular portion. The pawl is put between the head and the socket. The pawl includes a first member with a toothed side and a second member with a toothed front side. The toothed side of selective one of the members of the pawl engages with the toothed portion of the internal face of the socket so that the head can drive the socket through the pawl in selective one of two directions. The switch is connected with the pawl so that the switch can be switched so as to engage the toothed side of selective one of the members of the pawl with the toothed portion of the internal face of the socket.

Abstract: The specification discloses a modified nut assembly and locking assembly for locking the shank of a wrench in place. The nut assembly preferably includes a nut for engaging and disengaging the shank of the wrench and a spring for biasing the nut to a position where the shank of the wrench is locked in place. Threads internal to the nut matingly engage threads on the shank of the wrench when in a locked position, and grooves internal to the nut allow the shank of the wrench to slide freely through the nut when in an unlocked position. The locking assembly preferably includes a housing, a sliding portion, a locking portion, and a spring. The sliding portion and locking portion preferably abut each other within the housing. The spring is preferably located in the sliding portion and extends from the sliding portion to the shank of the wrench.

Abstract: Tongs comprising a four link mechanism (12, 20, 22, 30) wherein the links are pivotally connected together by means of parallel pivot joints (23′, 24′, 31′, 32′). wherein the link mechanism includes two mutually connected links (20, 30) which define therebetween an angle that approaches 180° at the closing end position of the tongs, and wherein the length of one (30) of said two links is adjustable and includes two parts that are moveable in the longitudinal direction of the link, wherein the first (36) of said parts includes a slot (51) for guiding a a shaft (31) carried by said second part (70) and belonging to the pivot joint of the adjustable link (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a spanner for hexagonal shaped objects (5), comprising an upper and lower jaw (1 or 2), which are respectively connected in a single-piece to the limb of a handle (4 or 3). Both jaws (1, 2) are connected together in a pivoting manner in a length-adjustable single joint (6). The upper jaw (1) comprises a flat, smooth clamping surface (9) and a stop (10). The lower jaw (2) comprises a curved convex, flat clamping cam surface (11), which lies adjacent to a respectively associated lower flank surface (12) for all hexagonal objects (5) of all wrench sizes which are to be accommodated.

Abstract: A fluid-operated torque tool for tightening fasteners has a fluid-operated cylinder-piston unit; a drive actuated by said fluid-operated motor unit and engageable with a fastener for tightening the latter; and an ultrasonic probe built into said drive and bringable into contact with a part of the fastener when said drive engages the fastener, for sending a sound through said part of the fastener and receiving a signal indicative of an elongation of the part of the fastener.

Abstract: A multi purpose hand tool includes an elongate generally cylindrical handle having opposite first and second ends. The handle is adapted for grasping by a user and has a hole through the handle located substantially mid-way along the length of the handle. The hole extends through the handle so that a digit of the user's hand, when grasping the handle, may be inserted through the hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool, especially a lathe, comprising a machine frame upon which a first and second spindle housing carrier are arranged in such a way that they can move in a direction Z in relation to each other; a first working spindle; a second working spindle; a first tool carrier which is associated with the first working spindle; a second tool carrier which is associated with the second working spindle, said first and second tool carriers being arranged on the same side of the spindle axis; and a machine control unit.

Abstract: In a method for scanning and cutting sheet-type work material carried on a support surface, the work material is automatically scanned to determine a periphery thereof and to allow for the detection of any flaws within the periphery of the work material. The layout of a marker is then established on the work material and a nesting process for pattern pieces is begun. A first pattern piece is nested onto the work material and a subsequent pattern piece is also nested onto the work material while the first pattern piece is simultaneously cut therefrom. These steps are repeated until all of the pattern pieces are cut from the work material.

Abstract: An expressing device for a coaxial cartridge with an outer tube and an inner tube. In order to increase the filling volume of coaxial cartridges that can be expressed with commercially available metering guns, the expressing device is provided with a separating device for severing the inner tube and with a deflecting device for deflecting the one or more severed sections of the inner tube toward the inner wall of the outer tube when the coaxial cartridge is expressed.

Abstract: A work station for gift wrapping comprising a compartment for storage of rolls of paper, wrapping accessories and tools, a top surface for placement of objects to be wrapped, a removable roll holding means attached to an end panel, a tape dispenser holding means attached to another end panel, an end and a bottom panel. The work station is set up by installing the roll holding means on one of the end panels, and by placing a common scotch tape dispenser on a holding means that allows a user to easily dispense tape from the dispenser. A roll of paper is removed the compartment and easily inserted onto the roll holding means, and during a dispensing operation keeps the edge of the paper aligned with the adjacent end panel. An article for wrapping is placed on top of the paper after it has been dispensed and is cut to length and width using a common letter opener type cutter. Tape is easily pulled from tape dispenser while holding the wrapped article.

Abstract: A punching device for punching a hole in a sheet of material, comprising a metal body having an upper part and a lower part each having a front end and a rear end and an aperture between the two ends. The apertures have substantially identical shape and size and being horizontally aligned with each other. The upper and lower body parts are interconnected at their rear ends and vertically spaced apart to form a horizontal planar gap therebetween into which a said sheet may be inserted for punching. The punching device includes a punching die having a cross-section of a substantially identical shape and size as the apertures and supported within the upper aperture for downward movement across the gap into the lower aperture thereby punching a hole in a said sheet. A spacer is located in the gap for limiting undesirable downward movement of the upper body part relative to the lower body part during a punching action.

Abstract: A cutting tool such as a saw blade or drill bit, having a cutting portion having a body and one or more cutting tips on the body. A set of markings on the body indicate the distance between the cutting tip and each marking, to indicate to a user the depth of cut to which the tool has penetrated into a workpiece. The markings can be painted, etched, printed, peened on the body or applied in other desired manner.

Abstract: A distortion correcting device is accommodated at a concave portion of the neck of a stringed instrument, and comprises: a bar 10 including a bottom plate portion 11 and a pair of opposing side plate portions 12 erected at both sides of the bottom plate portion 11; and an adjusting rod 20 whose one end portion is secured to one end portion of the bar 10 and whose other end portion engages with an adjusting nut 30 which is rotatably supported by the other end portion of the bar 10, and in which the distance between the one end portion of the adjusting rod 20 and the adjusting nut 30 can be changed by turning the adjusting nut 30. A first support member 40 and a second support member 50 are secured to the side plate portions 12 at both end portions of the bar 10, and one end portion of the adjusting rod 20 is supported such that movement in an axial direction is blocked by the first support member 40, and the adjusting nut 30 is rotatably supported by the second support member 50.

Abstract: An apparatus adding one new component and replacing four outdated parts with enhanced components, which have characteristics that efficiently transfer and recycle sound vibrations, have correct wood grain direction for optimal sound flow, and are designed with “lower impendence to movement characteristics”, and if and when this apparatus is added to a violin it will resonate longer, project more sound frequencies further, produce a stronger response, and require half the bowing effort.

Abstract: A woodwind instrument has a key mechanism for selectively closing and opening tone hole chimneys formed on a tube, and the key mechanism includes keys supported by a linkage at the associated tone hole chimneys; each of the keys includes a retainer inserted between a pad cup and a pad, and the retainer has a backing plate portion held in area contact with at the inner surface thereof to the pad and in point contact with at the outer surface thereof to the pad cup so that an assembling worker adjusts the pad to an appropriate attitude in the pad cup by pressing the pad to the associated tone hole chimney, and, thereafter, secures the retainer to the pad cup; this results in that the player can seal the tone hole chimney with the pad through a simple adjusting work.