Abstract: A conga stand comprises legs with joined-on holding pieces for insertion of a conga; a holding ring, on which the legs are mounted and which has lateral edges; an aperture in each leg for it to be fixed to the holding ring; apertures in the holding ring for the legs to be fixed to the holding ring; and fixing screws, which pass through the apertures of the holding ring and the leg, each fixing screw having a nut for the legs to be fixed to the holding ring. With a view to simple assembly and disassembly of the conga stand accompanied with excellent stableness on the ground and the possibility of use for congas of varying size, it is provided that the apertures of the holding ring are open towards the lateral edges thereof for insertion of the fixing screws from a lateral edge of the holding ring.

Abstract: A shoulder supported percussion musical instrument carrier and vibration isolation support assembly providing support for a plurality of percussion musical instruments on a person while standing, walking, or marching. Each of the percussion musical instruments is detachably secured between upper and lower plates of an instrument support frame utilizing one or more tension element casings located about the circumference of each instrument. The instrument support frame, in turn, is secured to a supporting vest including vibration isolated shoulder straps. A special bushing is used in conjunction with the tension lugs of the percussion instrument to reduce friction coefficient and to maintain the alignment of the tension lugs.

Abstract: Musical-score-related data set, including musical score information and right-to-use information defining a usable range of the musical score information, is distributed via a network or the like, and such a musical-score-related data set is stored in memory of an apparatus having received the data set. The right-to-use information includes information indicating that storage of the corresponding musical score is authorized or not authorized. When the musical score is to be displayed, the musical score information of the memory-stored musical-score-related data set is read out so that the musical score is visually displayed on a display device.

Abstract: The composition assisting device of the present invention allows a user to input a melody, for example 10 melodic events, and the device outputs a series of new melodies. The new melodies have the same number of melodic events as the inputed event, but the order of the melodic events are different from the input melody. The output melodies are generated and based on a number of parameters that are set by the user. Therefore, the present invention allows a musical composer access to a set of melodies that can be used to assist the creative process of creating a musical piece.

Abstract: An automatic musical performance system stores musical data such as performance patterns and pattern sequences. During performance, the user provides input indicating tones to be added to or deleted from the musical performance, and the stored musical data is updated in accordance with the user input by adding or deleting the specified tones from the performance at the locations within the performance at which the user input for each tone was received.

Abstract: Client apparatus (10, 11, 12, . . . ) receives, from a server (20) or CD-ROM, content data and first management information that enables trial use of the content data and store the received content data and first management information in an HDD. When a user of the client apparatus desires normal use of the stored content data, the client apparatus (10, 11, 12, . . . ) issues a normal use request to the server (20). Then, the client apparatus receives, from the server, second management information that authorizes the normal use of the content data. Thus, only the client apparatus, to which an authorization for the normal use, is allowed to reproduce the content data in a normal mode with no reproduction function limitation on the basis of the second management information. In this way, the inventive arrangements permit efficient delivery of trial and purchasing content, but also can enhance security against unfair use, such as unauthorized copying, of the content.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and/or performing music via the Internet. The music is created and/or performed at a client system using a software application and sound tone-banks/loops delivered via a server system. The server system responds to an authorized user's request to transmit the necessary application and tone-banks/loops to the client, thereby creating a complete environment where the user can actuate the tones in the tone-bank or loops and store the actuation events locally or on a remote system for later retrieval.

Abstract: There is provided a musical tone reproducing apparatus, which stores tone color parameters in a general-purpose storage means, to thereby shorten the time taken for a tone color changing process. A CPU 10 registers a tone color parameter group that has been read out from a RAM 11 in a tone generator memory 30, which is a general-purpose memory, in advance. The tone color parameters required when a tone generation core 33 carries out musical tone reproduction are stored in a cache memory 32 for all channels. Upon the CPU 10 giving a tone color changing command to a controller 31, a specified tone color parameter is read out from the tone generator memory 30. The tone color parameter for a specified channel in the cache memory 32 is then rewritten with the read out tone color parameter. The tone generation core 33 reads out from the cache memory 32 the rewritten tone color parameter set for each channel, and hence musical tone reproduction with a changed tone color is carried out.

Abstract: In order to set in advance, for each scene, setting data that should belong to (or should not belong to) a recall range, a predetermined recall setting window is displayed for a current data set representing current settings of a mixing system. Buttons in a parameter selection section correspond to parameters of each channels belonging to the current data set, and the buttons can turned on and off. When the current data set is to be recorded as a scene data set, settings of the recall setting window are also stored as part of the current data set. When the scene is to be recalled, only setting data of parameters, having been set as data belonging to the recall range, are recalled. Also, editing of a channel name is permitted in order to perform optimal name display for channel strips of the system in accordance with a form of use of the system.

Abstract: A method for playing music having i note polyphony, as well as a system containing a plurality of sources and a source itself, with at least two sources of a group of sources, where a first source is assigned to play j notes and a second source is assigned to play k notes, where j<i and k<i, and where the notes are assigned in a predetermined order. For a case where j+k<i, the methods further includes assigning a third source l additional notes to play of the musical composition. For a case where j+k_i, the l notes may duplicate all or some of the j or k notes played by the first or second sources. The j and k notes are played simultaneously, and the method further includes an initial step of synchronizing the first source to the second source through a wireless local network such as an RF network, e.g., a Bluetooth network, or an optical network.

Abstract: A pitch detection method and appartus are provided.The pitch detection method includes anlyzing an externally input digital signal into frequency components and detecting a pitch candidate based on the frequency components ;comparing an error range for the pitch candidate with an error range which is calculated using the error range or the result of performing autocorrelation on an autocorrelation range, which is calculated using the error range for the pitch candidate, permorming autocorrelation on the digital signal in a predetermined time range when the error range for the result of autocorrelation is less than or equal to the range for the pitch candidate: and detrmining a pitch within an intersection between a frequency range obtained using frequency analysis and a frequency range, in which an autocorrelation value is largest, as a final pitch.

Abstract: A system for creating a variation of an audio track from audio building blocks is presented, where track variation may be created during a live performance. Two or more of the presented systems may be coupled to automatically maintain a beat mix between two or more playing audio track building blocks. Audio building blocks are prepared in advance to include features that may enable the creation of the track variation and the automatic maintaining of the beat mix.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for customizing musical instrument signal processing enabling users to produce different tonal characteristics in created musical pieces. In order to create such tonal characteristics, a new mathematical model of tonal characteristics may be digitally created based on two or more initial mathematical models of tonal characteristics. After simulating a first and second initial mathematical models of tonal characteristics, the new mathematical model is created by interpolating one or more coefficients of the first and second initial mathematical models. The new mathematical model may also adjust a control parameter where the control parameter may exist between two values. When the control parameter is the first value, the new mathematical model is the first initial mathematical model. When the control parameter is the second value, the new mathematical model may be the second initial mathematical model.

Abstract: A high-precision input device which has less delay in signal transmission and can pick up a plurality of input signals is provided. This input device includes a planar first input area (30) in a predetermined region and a second input area (32) annularly formed around the periphery of the first input area (30). The input device outputs different signals when beating inputs are applied to the first and second input areas (30 and 32). The first input area (32) includes a sheet-like first input sensor (36) which is formed over the almost entire surface of the first input area. This first input sensor (36) is divided into left-side and right-side first input sensors (36a and 36b). The second input area (32) includes a plurality of second input sensors (38) which are annularly arranged in the second input area (32). The plurality of second input sensors (38) are connected to a conductive section (40).

Abstract: Transducer for converting mechanical stress into electric signals, which transducer is composed of at least one electromechanical sheet (107,108) and is capable of converting mechanical stress into electric signals and in which transducer at least one of the electrodes required by the electromechanical sheet is disposed on the surface of one or more thin and flexible dielectric materials, said electrodes (109) forming electrically conductive surfaces of the transducer for connecting the transducer to a signal processing device, said electromechanical sheets being permanently charged cellular electret film and which transducer is constructed of a unitary, thin and flexible layered laminate structure.

Abstract: A sound pickup system for string instruments includes a chinrest and/or tailpiece connected to a first audio interface device—e.g. a piezoelectric transducer-on the instrument's bridge. A second audio interface device—e.g., a microphone-may be attached to and extended from the chinrest and/or tailpiece to provide a second sound pickup mechanism, which improves the quality of the sound reproduced by the sound pickup system. The chinrest and/or tailpiece contains volume and sensitivity control, for one or both audio interface devices, that also acts as a high frequency noise filter; a human grounding point in the chin cup and/or in the strings; and an output jack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a keyboard using silicon rubber and a keyboard so manufactured. The method for manufacturing the keyboard according to the present comprises the steps of forming sheets from silicon rubber, forming the sheets into a top pad with keys integrally formed thereon and a bottom pad bonded to a bottom surface of the top pad, painting the keys through a silk-screen printing method, and boding the top and bottom pads with silicon liquid rubber in a state where a flexible printed circuit board is interposed between the pads. The keyboard of the present invention is configured in such a manner that a plurality of the painted keys are arranged on a top surface of the top pad and the flexible printed circuit board is interposed between the top and bottom pads so that the flexible printed circuit board is electrically contacted to produce a desired sound from a speaker of a controller when a user strikes the keys.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a restraint for restraining a first control surface in a stowed configuration and a severing mechanism for parting the restraint to allow the first control surface to move into an operational configuration. A vehicle includes a body, a first control surface rotatably mounted to the body, and a restraint attached to the first control surface for restraining the first control surface in a stowed configuration. The vehicle further includes a severing mechanism for parting the restraint to allow the first control surface to move into an operational configuration. A method includes attaching a restraint to the control surface to restrain the control surface in a stowed configuration and cutting the restraint to allow the control surface to move to an operational configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is a double frame armor comprised of the base metal plate covered by graphite and of exterior metal plate covered by graphite and galvanized rubber. Replaceable metal sections containing reactive metal and chemical grains are sandwiched between the armored double frame—the article, constituting the double hull of a tank, armored vehicle, ship, submarine, aircraft or spacecraft. Impact of a projectile, missile, mine or meteorite on the article triggers a chemical reaction of said reactive elements effective to increase the stiffness of the armor and prevent its fracture, and sufficient to solidity into armor and patch the fracture.

Abstract: An elevation and traverse laying system for a weapon (1) comprising first means (16, 17) to position the weapon in traverse along a large angular range with respect to a first axis of rotation G1, wherein it comprises:

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit branch includes a hydraulic actuator, such as a cylinder, and an assembly of one or more electrohydraulic proportional valves connected in series between a pressurized fluid supply line and a tank return line. The force acting on the hydraulic actuator is determined by sensing fluid pressures produced by the hydraulic actuator. Pressures in the supply and tank return lines also are sensed. The sensed pressures and a desired velocity for the hydraulic actuator are employed to determine an equivalent flow coefficient, which characterizes fluid flow through the hydraulic circuit branch, either a conduction or restriction coefficient may be derived. The equivalent flow coefficient is used to determine how to activate each electrohydraulic proportional valve to achieve the desired velocity of the hydraulic actuator. The equivalent flow coefficient also is employed to control the pressure levels in the supply and tank return lines.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a swash plate with pistons in a swash plate compressor of the present invention can automatically assemble the swash plate with double or single head pistons and shoes thereby improving workability and productivity. In the assembling apparatus, each of the pistons includes a swash plate-receiving section for receiving a pair of opposed shoes therein and having an insert groove for receiving the swash plate mounted on a rotational shaft and a piston body to be inserted into a cylinder bore of a cylinder block so that the swash plate is inserted into the insert grooves of the pistons. The assembling apparatus comprises a base plate, piston-loading means, piston-shifting means and rotating means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminants from gas streams. A first step involves selecting a contaminant to be removed from a gas stream and determining a characteristic ionizing energy value required to selectively ionize the selected contaminant with minimal effect on other contaminants in the gas stream. A second step involves applying the characteristic ionizing energy value to the gas stream and selectively ionizing the selected contaminant. A third step involves capturing the selected contaminant after ionization.

Abstract: A method of separating or concentrating hydrocarbon-containing gas mixtures such as hydrogen from hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons, nitrogen from hydrocarbons, and hydrocarbons from one another using a selectively permeable membrane. The method is well suited to separate hydrocarbon-containing mixtures such as those generated by petroleum refining industries, petrochemical industries, natural gas processing, and the like. The membranes exhibit extremely good resistance to plasticization by hydrocarbon components in the gas mixture under practical industrial process conditions.

Abstract: A method is described for rapid and economical activation and/or preconditioning of gas purification substrates by providing forced convection of the preconditioning or activating gas through the pores of the substrate. The gas is pumped into the substrate-containing vessel and raised to an elevated pressure, which is maintained for a short predetermined time, followed by venting of contents of the vessel. The vessel is again pressurized with the purging gas to an elevated level, and the elevated pressure is maintained for a short predetermined time, followed by venting of the vessel. This cycle is repeated as often as needed or desired. Activation and/or preconditioning can be accomplished in a much shorter time and with much less gas usage compared to diffusion preconditioning and activation processes. This process is particularly suited for preconditioning and activation of gas purifier substrates for decontamination of gases down to ≦1 ppm contaminants.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for treating pollutants in a process effluent stream. The apparatus comprises an up-flow canister having a lower section plenum space, a section for a sorbent bed material, an upper section plenum space, an inlet for introducing a process effluent stream to the lower section plenum space, and an outlet for egress of the process effluent stream from the canister, the inlet, lower section plenum space, and sorbent bed material being arranged in a manner which provides for process effluent stream to flow into the sorbent bed against gravity, by a pressure differential.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seal structure for a container having a container body and a lid wherein an inside of the container body is sealed by providing the lid on the opening of the container body. In the seal structure of the present invention, a step having a predetermined depth is formed on the inner circumference or outer circumference of the upper edge of the container body, a round seal surface forming ring formed having a thickness identical to the depth of the step is provided on the upper surface of the step along the circumferential direction of the container body, and the lid is installed on a seal surface comprising the upper end surface of the container body and the upper surface of the seal surface forming ring, with a packing interposed therebetween.

Abstract: The invention provides a low-resistance gas adsorption filter provided with an activated carbon bed of bulk density less than 0.6 gram/cubic centimeter, the activated carbon bed being free of chromium 6+ salt, the filter being characterized by a gas holding capacity exceeding 300,000 milligram Dimethyl-methyl Phosphonate (DMMP)×minute/cubic meter and an airflow resistance such that the numerical value of air flow resistance in Pascal per millimeter of bed thickness does not exceed by more than 50% the numerical value of air velocity in centimeters per second.

Abstract: A gas scrubbing device for removing odorous gases from streams of natural gas or air. The device can be used either as conventional filter to filter excess odorous gas before the gas is discharged from the system or as a fume hood to capture any odorous vapor that might be released in the air at an odorant injection site.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the multi-phase HVAC filtration system provides a unitary device which performs basic filtration, odor-elimination, high-efficiency filtration and adds fragrance to the climate-controlled area.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus having a temperature sensor disposed on a warming deck that receives a brewed beverage decanter provides temperature information used to select a heating profile for maintaining the brewed beverage at a proper serving temperature without overheating. An intermittent heating profile based on the temperature difference between the actual brewed beverage temperature and the desired temperature is recalled from memory storage and applied to a heating element below the warming deck.

Abstract: An alcoholic beverage (12) contained within an outer shell (10). This Alcoholic Beverage Device is a single product with multiple characteristic possibilities. The device can specifically be used for the unique purpose of containing individual serving quantities of a gelatinous-alcoholic beverage. The outer shell may be edible or non-edible. The device may also contain a dissolvable outer shell and, when placed in beverages, release alcohol as it dissolves. This device can also contain shots, mixed shooters, and other variations of individually consumable liquid alcoholic beverages. This device can further be refrigerated, and used to cool beverages.

Abstract: Described is a coffee machine (1) for preparing at least a first coffee beverage at a first brewing pressure and at least a second coffee beverage at a second brewing pressure, the second brewing pressure being higher than the first brewing pressure. The coffee machine is provided with a brewing means (5) which is connected via an outlet line (9) to a tap opening (1). A throttle means (12, 112) is provided in the outlet line (9) and is adjustable between a first and a second flow cross-section, the first flow cross-section being greater than the second flow cross-section. To simplify such a coffee machine in a constructionally simple way in terms of control, it is suggested that the throttle means (12, 112) should be made adjustable by the action of the brewing pressure.

Abstract: A fryer system and a check valve useful in the fryer system or in other applications. The check valve does not require electricity or springs, but rather operates based on fluid flow and/or pressure. The check valve includes a sealing member that is disposed in a chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with ambient air and a fluid container, such as a rear return manifold in the fryer system. As fluid, such as cooking oil, is supplied to the manifold, the cooking oil rises in the chamber of the floating check valve. The sealing member floats on the rising cooking oil until it seats in a seal so as to close the fluid communication with ambient. When the cooking oil is drained from the manifold, the sealing member disengages from the seal and floats in the chamber to a retainer that allows ambient air to pass through the fluid communications and chamber to counteract any vacuum in the ullage of the manifold.

Abstract: A device for processing and cooking food comprises a base housing a heating element for a food cooking function and a controllable motor for a food processing function. A container seatable on the base has an inlet for introducing food and an outlet for processed food. A blade is rotatably mounted within the container and driven by the controllable motor to process any food that is introduced into the container. A removable pan is seatable on the base proximate to the heating element to define a cooking surface. The outlet is positioned relative to the removable pan so that any food introduced into the container exits the outlet directly onto the cooking surface. A spatula can be coupled to the base and positioned within the removable pan for movement across the cooking surface to stir the processed food as it is cooked. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A steam cooker for cooking foodstuffs, especially shellfish such as shrimp, in a continuous cooking process in a pure saturated-steam environment at 100° C. and atmospheric pressure. The cooker comprises a cooking chamber covered by an enclosure movable between a raised position admitting access to the cooking chamber and a lowered cooking position. A conveyor transports shrimp from a feed tank, through an entrance opening, and into an upper cooking region of the cooking chamber where the shrimp are cooked. The conveyor deposits cooked shrimp into a discharge race through an exit for downstream processing. Hydrostatic seals formed at the entrance and exit and between the bottom rim of the enclosure and a water-filled trough bounding the cooking chamber prevent steam from escaping at those places.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distribution device for products, comprising a supply belt (Z) and a delivery belt (A), which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of transport. At least one distribution belt (V), which can be displaced transversally in relation to the direction of transport, is located between the supply belt (Z) and the delivery belt (A). The distribution belt (V) is divided in two in the direction of transport.

Abstract: A dough treatment facility comprises a dough feeder, a dough metering arrangement, a dough kneading arrangement, a transfer arrangement disposed between the dough metering arrangement and the dough kneading arrangement as well as a dough discharge arrangement. A delivery piston, which is driven by a drive mechanism, forms part of the dough metering arrangement. A drive component of the drive mechanism comprises a load sensing device, which is disposed for sensing the load by which the delivery piston, when pressing the dough, acts on the dough.

Abstract: A dual deposit stencil apparatus for discharging filler materials onto parallel lanes of base cakes comprises a stencil tube having two inlet openings, one communicating with a source of first filler material, and the other communicating with a source of second filler material. The stencil tube has four discharge openings therein. A stencil carried on the stencil tube has pairs of openings therein for receiving two filler materials. Provided in the stencil tube are a first shutoff valve and a second shutoff valve. First and second actuating mechanisms control the shut off valves and are coordinated to simultaneously provide first and second filler material to each pair of openings in the stencil. A wire mechanism cooperates with the stencil for simultaneously removing the first and second filler materials from each pair of openings.

Abstract: An intaglio printing press which includes an intaglio plate cylinder supported to be freely rotatable, at least one inking unit which supplies ink to the intaglio plate cylinder, and an ink removing unit which removes ink the supplied to the intaglio plate cylinder. In this intaglio printing press, an ink recycling unit is provided upstream of the ink removing unit with respect to a rotation direction of the intaglio plate cylinder and downstream of the inking unit, and the ink recycling unit removes surplus ink of the ink supplied to the intaglio plate cylinder and returns the removed ink to the inking unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for double-sided high-speed printing on a continuous sheet of printable material having a first guide, a second guide, a third guide, and a fourth guide providing a first print area between the first and second guides for printing on a first side of the material and a second print area between the third and fourth guides for printing on a second side of the material. A first plurality of print heads print in the first print area and a second plurality of print heads print in the second print area. The first and second plurality of print heads all fire in a same direction. Bends in the material provided by the guides permit a compact arrangement that eliminates flutter of the material in the print areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting pressure rollers and/or cutting knives includes driven pull rollers or driven pull and knife rollers extending over the web width arranged opposite the pressure rollers and/or cutting knives and at least two threaded spindles, which are used to axially adjust the pressure rollers and/or the cutting knives simultaneously or immediately one after another. During the axial adjustment, some of the pressure rollers and/or the cutting knives remain stationary, some of the pressure rollers and/or cutting knives are adjusted by a first adjustment travel and/or some of the pressure rollers and/or cutting knives being adjusted by a second adjustment travel.

Abstract: A method of printing an image on a composite medium is described. A composite medium comprises a thermally sensitive image receiving layer and a protective layer. The image receiving layer is activated through the protective layer whereby to generate an image in the image receiving layer which is protected by the already present protective layer. A tape and cassette comprising the composite medium are also described, as it is a printing device for use with the composite medium, and a method of producing a printed label from the composite medium.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making e.g. boardlike objects (11) arranged in a pile (12), in which method the objects are marked with a marking printed by a print head (26) and containing e.g. information about the object. To improve the marking quality, the objects are pressed together to reduce or eliminate gaps between them in the direction of compression, and the marking is made on an edge of the object that is parallel to the direction of compression of the objects.

Abstract: Color densities of patches included in a control strip are measured to perform printing control based on the color densities. The patches are arranged in the same direction as the arrangement of ink keys of a printing device. The patches include four typical patches of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow at area rates of 60 to 85% in the width of each ink key. The printing control is the control for keeping the color densities of the four typical patches of the width of each ink key in predetermined color-density ranges.

Abstract: A print system receives an image file and a print order file from a customer, the image file having an image data area and an order data area. The print system copies information of the received print order file into the order data area of the received image file. The print system produces a print of the image data in the image file according to the information in the order data area of the image file. The print system has a printer capable of producing a print of a predetermined image data provided by a third party as well as that of the image data of the customer. The print system delivers to the customer the print ordered by the customer as well as the print of the predetermined image data. The print system selects a group of orders among all the orders in accordance with the destination of delivery for controlling the printer to give priority to the group of orders in producing the prints.

Abstract: A method for securing a mounting bar at one end of a blanket including a lithographic layer and a support layer and, interposed between those two layers, at least one reinforcing woven layer. The end of the blanket, where the bar is to be fixed, is stripped until the main or single reinforcement of the blanket is exposed and the bar is fixed at least on the stripped part on the end of the blanket. The invention is applicable to printing machines.

Abstract: In a method for the manufacture of a printed circuit on a dielectric carrier (2), in a first step a circuit pattern (1) is applied with an electrically conductive ink and, in a second step, the circuit model is plated, the electrically conductive ink being applied by means of a method of gravure printing and the plating being done by electrolytic or chemical means.

Abstract: A method of blasting in which rock pile profile associated with a blast field is controlled by precise control of the detonation delay times between and/or within individual blastholes in the blast field, in combination with the control of one or more other blast parameters.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic display device configured to ignite solid pyrotechnic compositions or aerial shells within a launch tube prior to propelling them on a desired arc. A smokeless pyrotechnic propelling charge is disposed within the launch tube below the solid pyrotechnic compositions, and separated therefrom. An ignition source is disposed in operative relationship to the pyrotechnic compositions or aerial shells, which are ignited prior to ignition of the smokeless pyrotechnic propelling charge.