Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel for dissolution testing of a pharmaceutical delivery device, comprising: an inert vessel wall and an inert vessel bottom such that the vessel is able to hold a fluid medium; an inert retainer provided by or at the vessel wall or vessel bottom, for holding a pharmaceutical delivery device; and which retainer allows a passageway to the vessel bottom for a sampling tube. The invention further relates to a method for preparing such a vessel; a dissolution method using such a vessel and an apparatus comprising such a vessel.

Abstract: A system for evaluating the long term performance of glass fiber insulation is disclosed. Samples of insulation are conditioned for a period of up to about 30 days at conditions of heat up to about 50° C. and humidity up to 100% Relative Humidity and performance tested.

Abstract: Sensor head or detector head (1) composed primarily of a protective casing that forms a hollow body (2) with an external surface, the so-called active surface (2?), and of a sensing or detection element mounted in the hollow body and adjacent to part of the front wall of the protective casing defining the active surface, at the level of the internal surface opposite the latter, the sensor head characterized in that the sensing element (3) is located at a distance from the internal surface (4?) of the part of the wall (4) of the hollow body (2) in such a way as to delineate an interstitial space (5) of small thickness (d) forming a mechanical and physical decoupling interface between the part of the wall (4) and the sensing element (3).

Abstract: This is a device that controls centrifugal force to produce variable linear force in a direction that may be altered at any time by the operator. All moveable parts ride on bearings, and the negative forces that are created by rotating the weighted arms inward are counteracted by other weighted arms rotating outward, or positive forces, so that the device can operate on a relatively small power supply. The device is comprised of a fixed single Main shaft which is attached to the frame. Said shaft has two collars held in place by bearings, thus are independent of said shaft. Each collar has a sprocket attached to it and is controlled by an outside means. One collar is a drive collar that will rotate continuously at a set speed. The second collar is a steering collar which will remain in a fixed position until the operator decides to adjust speed or course. The drive collar has at least 4 Primary arms that extend perpendicular from the Main shaft.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (21) includes a reverse transfer system ball-screw (20). The actuator broadly includes a frame (22), a nut mounted on the frame (43), at least one magnet (59) mounted on the nut, at least one coil (55) mounted on the frame, the coil being adapted to be selectively supplied with current to cause the nut to rotate within the frame, a rotary feedback device (80), and a screw (44) arranged within the nut for rotational and axial movement relative thereto. The screw and nut both have cooperative ball recesses (72, 74) that define a ball path in which a plurality of balls (73) are mounted. The ball recirculation path is provided in the screw. A rod (23) is connected to the screw for movement therewith. Relative rotation between the nut and screw will cause the screw and rod to move axially relative to the frame.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for shifting an automatic transmission having a shift position select lever. The invention selectively shifts the transmission to one of a plurality of different transmission shift positions. The invention includes a steering column positionable in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. A switch is mountable in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and operable to emit a first signal representative of a desired change with respect to a transmission shift position. A motor generates a moving force and a linkage associated with the motor to transmit the moving force from the motor to a shift lever of a transmission of the vehicle. A sensor is responsive to a current transmission shift position and emits a second signal corresponding to the sensed current transmission shift position. A controller is responsive to the switch and to the sensor.

Abstract: An integrated control module for a dual clutch transmission that includes a valve body having an inlet, a plurality of outlets with a plurality of internal hydraulic passages disposed therebetween, and a hydraulic control assembly mounted to the valve body. The hydraulic control assembly is adapted to operatively control the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the inlet through the plurality of internal hydraulic passages to the plurality of outlets. The hydraulic control assembly includes at least one assembly from a group including, a shift actuation control assembly adapted to actuate the synchronizers of the transmission, a clutch actuation control assembly adapted to allow the selective and independent engagement and disengagement of each clutch, and a clutch cooling fluid control assembly adapted to control the cooling fluid provided to the clutches of the transmission.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission device for a motor vehicle that has a plurality of gear sets that form gear ratio steps, final control mechanisms being provided and an actuation device being provided for the actuation of the final control mechanisms that has a plurality of drivable main control elements, especially shift fingers, to act on final control mechanisms for the engagement of gear ratio steps, it being possible to act on at least one final control mechanism via either a first or a second main control element, these two main control elements of the final control mechanism being moved as a function of the main control element that acts on this final control mechanism in one of two different directions, especially opposite directions, when in this context there is identical drive direction, especially identical rotational direction; and an actuation device and a method for the electronically controlled determination of reference positions of an actuation device.

Abstract: The control system comprises: a first hydraulically-operated actuator device for controlling the engagement of a first set of gears by selection and engagement movements; a second hydraulically-operated actuator device for controlling the engagement of a second set of gears by selection and engagement movements; a first solenoid valve of the ON/OFF type arranged to put the first or the second actuator device alternatively into communication with a supply of fluid under pressure; a second solenoid valve of the ON/OFF type arranged to control the selection movements of the actuator device which from time to time is in communication with the fluid supply; a distributor interposed between the fluid supply and the two actuator devices and displaceable under the control of the first solenoid valve between a first working position in which it puts the fluid supply into communication with the first actuator device and a second working position in which it puts the fluid supply into communication with the second actua

Abstract: In a transmission device with switchable gear ratios, a driving gear is disposed onto an output shaft of a motor, a rocker arm is pivoted on the output shaft through an electromagnetic clutch, a rocker arm gear mounted on the rocker arm is driven by the driving gear, a first gear set is driven by the rocker arm gear when the rocker arm is at a first position, a second gear set is driven by the rocker arm gear when the rocker arm is at a second position, and the first gear set and the second gear set have different output rotating speeds. In addition, a first magnetic element attracts the rocker arm at the first position, and a second magnetic element attracts the rocker arm at the second position. Thus, the gear ratio may be switched according to interactions between the electromagnetic clutch and the magnetic elements.

Abstract: The linear actuator comprises an elongated first band wound in helical form about a central axis and capable of taking a retracted position and an extended position with its turns spaced from one another in the direction of the central axis, and first fasteners carried by the first band and longitudinally disposed therealong. The linear actuator also comprises an elongated second substantially flat band wound on itself, with its turns substantially transversely parallel to the central axis, and capable of taking a retracted, spiral position with its turns nested within one another and an extended position with its turns forming a helix around the central axis and generally equally radially spaced therefrom to form a telescopic column, the first and second bands, when in retracted position, in respective locations so as to clear each other.

Abstract: A worm wheel includes an annular metallic core portion and a resin rim portion which is fitted on an outer circumference of the core portion. The rim portion includes an annular main body portion which covers the outer circumference of the core portion and in which a toothed portion is formed on an outer circumference thereof and a pair of annular flanges which are made to extend from the main body portion in a radially inward direction X to thereby cover, respectively, outer edge portions of first and second sides of the core portion. The first annular flange 53 engages with a recess formed in the corresponding side of the core portion. A bottom portion of the recess includes an undercut portion in relation to a radially outward direction.

Abstract: An enveloping worm transmission is provided with a unique enveloping worm and worm gear with modified enveloping worm thread surfaces. Enveloping worm has general arrangements with worm gear on the face of worm gear. This invention offers combinations of enveloping worm with mating face worm gear where worm gear axis intersected, crossed or parallel to enveloping worm axis. The enveloping worm gear transmission is more efficient, quite and compact than conventional gear systems which have typically been used in power applications. The enveloping worm transmission of the present invention is easy manufacturing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission device for a motor vehicle comprising a plurality of connecting elements that are mounted in an axially movable manner and are each provided with a shift mouthpiece and comprising an actuating device having a control shaft that is mounted in a swiveling and axially movable manner, on which is provided a main control element and at least one secondary control element, the at least one secondary control element having functional regions for a movement in the same direction as well as functional regions for movement in the opposite direction, the at least one secondary control element extending in its neutral position essentially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the connecting elements, and, with respect to this neutral position on the secondary control element and on at least one shift mouthpiece, the particular functional regions for the movement in the same direction being designed with a bent shape and being axially symmetric to the particular, likewise be

Abstract: The first gear/reverse gate switch of the present invention includes a detent switch including a contact pin and a contact switch. When a manual transmission is shifted to a gear not in the first gear/reverse gate, the contact pin of the detent switch engages a recessed portion on a detent mechanism such that the contact pin does not engage the contact switch. This indicates that the transmission is not in a gear in the first gear/reverse gate. When the manual transmission is shifted to a gear in the first gear/reverse gate, the interlock moves the detent, pushing the contact pin into engagement with the contact switch. This indicates that the transmission is in a gear in the first gear/reverse gate. The spring forces the detent into a “relaxed position” when not in the first gear or the reverse gate, breaking switch contact.

Abstract: In association with a solenoidal coil 10 being energized to unlock a shift lever, a first movable core 9 and a second movable core 11 magnetically stick together so as to rotationally move in unison from an original position in which the first movable core 9 engages with the second movable core 11. Because the first movable core 9 and the second movable core 11 stick together before unlocking the shift lever, it is possible to avoid the first movable core 9 from hitting the second movable core 11 so as to eliminate an operational noise which would otherwise be produced by hitting the first movable core 9 against the second movable core 11. A lock plate 7 and a link plate 8 are rotatably provided around a rotational center 6 in relative to the solenoidal coil 10. This prevents the lock plate 7 and the link plate 8 from moving rotationally in unison with the solenoidal coil 10, thus enabling the lock plate 7 and the link plate 8 to a smooth and quick rotational movement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and system of controlling movement of a body coupled to an actuation system that features translating movement of the body in a plane extending by imparting angular motion in the actuation system with respect to two spaced-apart axes. Specifically, rotational motion is generated in two spaced-apart planes, one of which extends parallel to the plane in which the body translates. This facilitates proper orientation of the body with respect to a surface spaced-apart therefrom.

Abstract: A locking device for selectively preventing telescoping movement between first and second members and tilting movement associated with the first and second members. The locking device includes an electric motor for generating a moving force. The locking device also includes a first locking portion associated with the electric motor to move between first locked and unlocked positions in response to the moving force. The first locking portion selectively prevents telescoping movement between the first and second members. The locking device also includes a second locking portion spaced from the first locking portion. The second locking portion is also associated with the electric motor to move between second locked and unlocked positions in response to the moving force. The second locking portion selectively prevents tilting movement associated with the first and second members.

Abstract: A linear guide for transmitting a torque between a tubular housing, which is defined by a longitudinal axis and rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a shaft, which is received in the housing and movable in the direction of the axis in relation to the housing, includes a bearing assembly received in the housing for support of the shaft and attached to the housing by swaging a housing portion. The bearing assembly has two bearing members and a set of rolling bodies disposed between the bearing members. One bearing member is constructed as bushing which is retained in the housing and defines a center axis which is oriented out-of-alignment with a normal upon a longitudinal shaft axis, and the other bearing member has a cup-shaped configuration to define a convex surface for support by a surface area of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides hand levers having integrated controllers. A hand lever according to the invention may include a housing and a horn controller that is adapted to be electrically connected to a horn. The horn controller, which may include a horn button, is coupled to the housing and is accessible from the exterior of the housing. The controller may also be a speed controller for controlling speed or cruise control. The hand lever is adapted to control at least one of transmission shift position and engine throttle.

Abstract: Power differential transfer device for automatically changing the power transfer system to two wheel drive, four wheel drive or differential locking and includes a first cage disposed between a drive member and a first driven member for frictionally engaging with the first driven member for relative rotation and accommodating a first rolling member in an opening, a second cage provided between the drive member and a second driven member for frictionally engaging with the second driven member for relative rotation and accommodating a second rolling member in an opening. The first cage includes a projection for engaging with a recess provided in the second cage to allow a relative rotation by a limited angle.

Abstract: A hardfacing composition for a drill bit, including a carbide phase comprising from about 50% to about 75% by weight of the hardfacing composition of a combination of 16 to 40 mesh cemented tungsten carbide and 80 to 200 mesh super dense tungsten carbide cobalt particles, wherein about 5% to about 50% by weight of the carbide phase comprises the super dense tungsten carbide cobalt particles, and a binder alloy including about 25% to about 50% by weight of the hardfacing composition.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a blended zinc powder is disclosed. The blended zinc powder includes selected portions of a first zinc powder and a second zinc powder. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second powders are divided into groups based on ranges in their particle size distribution. Particle characteristics such as roughness and elongation are used to selected groups of both powders that are combined to produce the blended zinc powder. The blended zinc powders enable battery manufacturers to maximize the cell's run time while minimizing the cost of the zinc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a tantalum or niobium powder which controls releasing and contamination of impurities such as Fe, Ni, Cr, and Mo, which are derived from a reaction vessel, to a range in which characteristics of tantalum or niobium are not influenced. The method for producing a tantalum or niobium powder of the present invention is a method in which a metal salt containing tantalum or niobium is reduced in a diluent salt to obtain a tantalum or niobium powder, wherein a total percentage of moisture in the metal salt and the diluent salt is 0.2% by mass or less, as determined by the Karl Fisher method based on an amount of moisture generated by heating the metal salt and the diluent salt to 600° C.

Abstract: A method of extracting gold from arsenic gold ore concentrate, wherein increase the temperature of smelting chamber to 100-300° C. and then hold the temperature to remove the vapor and small quantity of dust in the arsenic gold ore concentrate; Under residual pressure?50 Pa, increase the temperature of smelting chamber and crystallization chamber to 300-500° C. and then hold the temperature to remove the volatilized arsenic sulfides; Hold the temperature of crystallization chamber, increase the temperature of smelting chamber to 500-600° C. and then hold the temperature to remove the gaseous element sulfur decomposed; Increase the temperature of smelting chamber to 600-760° C. and then hold the temperature, lower the crystallization chamber temperature to 270-370° C. and then hold the temperature to get element arsenic; shutdown, lower the temperature, charge the air, take out the gold-rich slag after dearsenization, and extract fine gold using conventional method.

Abstract: In an article and method for enabling a wire winding tool to wind a loop of wire about a workpiece and secure the wire loop to the workpiece, the wire winding tool includes a body element which includes a tapered wire-holding end and a hollow cylindrical shaft with interior threads and side slots. The tool further includes a threaded shaft including a distal end and transverse pins which extend therefrom through the body element side slots and are moveable therein, and about which free ends of the wire are wound. Also, the tool includes a nut threadably connected to the threaded shaft, which is threadably moveable to enable the threaded shaft to retract and pull the wire free ends so as to wind and secure the wire to the workpiece.

Abstract: A vibration-damping hammer has a head with a neck portion, a handle attached to the neck portion and at least one damping hole defined in the head, particularly in the neck. The at least one damping hole makes the neck sufficiently flexible and mitigates vibration transmission and so eliminates most vibrating energy. Therefore, the hammer has less vibration whereby the comfort enables the user to avoid working injury.

Abstract: A hydraulic torque wrench having a separate ratchet unit and hydraulic cylinder drive unit connectable by an overlapping cylindrical connection at selected angles of rotation providing clearance in use. The hydraulic cylinder actuates the ratchet mechanism by a connecting rod traveling through the overlapping cylindrical connection and engaging a pivotable drive plate. The ratchet may have a male drive shaft for driving a socket, or a female driver such a hex or spline wrench. The ratchet unit case may be integral, or split for removable accesses to the ratchet mechanisms. The cylinder unit hydraulic connections may be separate rotatable connections or a single connection and collar, allowing three-way rotation. Attachments for the hydraulic unit include a pipe flange spreader, a nut splitter, scissor action shears, and a lift/spreader for lifting an object from a flat surface or spreading surfaces apart. A reaction bar affixes to the drive unit body.

Abstract: A fastener engaging socket for use with a hand tool comprises a fastener engaging portion, a tool engaging portion and a socket retaining structure. The socket retaining structure is configured for releasably maintaining the tool engaging potion in engagement with a fastener receiving portion of the hand tool. The fastener engaging portion includes a fastener receiving cavity. Sidewall surfaces of the fastener receiving cavity are configured providing non-rotational engagement between the fastener engaging portion and a load receiving portion of a fastener. The tool engaging portion is attached to and extends from an exterior surface of the fastener engaging portion. Exterior sidewall surfaces of the tool engaging portion are configured for providing non-rotational engagement between the tool engaging portion and the fastener receiving portion of the hand tool. The socket retaining structure is attaches to a least one of the fastener engaging portion and tool engaging portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a length adjustment device of a lamp connection wire, which can easily and simply adjust the length of the lamp connection wire that connects a warming lamp to a power cutoff unit in a livestock barn. The length adjustment device has semicircular parts which are respectively provided on opposite ends of the length adjustment device, with a wire hole being formed through the center of each of the semicircular parts and allowing the lamp connection wire to pass through the wire hole. The semicircular parts are integrated into a single body by bridges, with a space defined between the bridges. In the length adjustment device, each of the bridges is integrally provided with a reinforcing ridge. Furthermore, each of the bridges is provided with at least one open circular hole at a position around the reinforcing ridge so that a power output cable, electrically connected to both the power cutoff unit and the warming lamp, can be tied to the length adjustment device.

Abstract: A screwdriver comprises a tip having a substantially I-shaped cross-section and comprising a first end formed with a first resting portion, a second end formed with a second resting portion, and a mediate section formed with an auxiliary resting portion located between the first resting portion and the second resting portion. A width between two larger sides of the auxiliary resting portion is 0.3 to 0.5 times of that of the first resting portion and that of the second resting portion. A length between two shorter sides of the auxiliary resting portion is 0.3 to 0.5 times of a length connected two shorter sides of the tip. The first resting portion and the second resting portion of the tip are bent and deformed when being subjected to a torque.

Abstract: Blades, saws, and methods for cutting microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a saw includes a shaft for attachment to a spindle, an annular blade coupled to the shaft, and a support member coupled to the shaft and juxtaposed to the annular blade. The blade has a first thickness at a first diameter and a second thickness at a second diameter. The second thickness is different than the first thickness and sized to cut the microfeature workpiece. For example, the first thickness can be greater than the second thickness, and the second diameter can be greater than the first diameter.

Abstract: A hand-held electric chain saw including a frame forming a housing with a rear end handle; a motor connected to the frame; a chain bar connected to the frame; a saw chain movably mounted to the chain bar and connected by a drive to the motor; and an extension pole attachment system on a bottom surface of the frame adapted to receive a portion of an extension pole to fixedly attach the extension pole to the bottom surface of the frame. The extension pole includes a pole section having a front end and a rear end; a removable connection system at the front end of the pole section; and an electrical cord. The removable connection system includes a rail adapted to slide into a slot at a bottom of the chain saw to thereby mechanically connect the extension pole to the chain saw.

Abstract: A method and assembly for punching a hole in material provided. A magnetostrictive device 14 includes a coil 26, a magnetostrictive member 22, and a punch 28 operatively associated with the magnetostrictive member 22. The magnetostrictive member 22 is constructed and arranged to lengthen, when exposed to a magnetic field created by the coil 26, thereby moving the punch 28. Material 12 to be punched is associated with the punch 28. The coil is energized to create a magnetic field and thus lengthen the magnetostrictive member 22 so that the punch 28 moves through the material 12, creating a hole in the material 12.

Abstract: A process capable of using a fixed repeat rotary cutter for offline finishing of commercial offset web printed products having inconsistencies in repeat length. The process includes transporting a web at a linear speed in a first direction, operating a rotary cutter to singulate the products from the web by forming butt cuts within a waste portion between an adjacent pair of products and transverse to the first direction, causing the products to continue moving in the first direction, causing the products to move in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and then trimming the products to remove the waste portion between adjacent products as the products continue moving in the second direction. Each butt cut is produced with an individual straight knife mounted to a rotating knife cylinder of the rotary cutter, and the rotational speed of the knife cylinder is adjusted so that each butt cut separates pairs of preceding and trailing products as a result of being produced in the waste regions.

Abstract: A miter saw including a base section, a support section extending from the base section, and a circular saw unit supported to the support section and having a handle and a motor housing. The circular saw unit rotatably supports a circular saw blade. A digital display is provided at an upper portion and a front side of the motor housing. The digital display displays a first angle of a side surface of the circular saw blade relative to a fence, and/or a second angle of the side surface relative to the upper surface of the base section.

Abstract: A power tool has a base assembly, a table supported by the base assembly, and a saw assembly attached to the table. In addition, a fixed fence is attached to the table. A sliding carriage is slidably connected to the fixed fence. A fence portion is pivotally attached to the sliding carriage. The fence portion has a surface. The fence portion is movable between a first position where the surface is substantially perpendicular to the table, and a second position where the fence portion is moved downwardly towards the table.

Abstract: A power tool has a base assembly, a table rotatably supported by the base assembly between two positions, and a saw assembly supported by the table. In the first position, the saw assembly is movable from an upper position to a lower position towards the table. In the second position, the saw assembly is underneath the table. A table latch assembly may latch the table in the first and second position. The table latch assembly may prevent movement to the second position when, in the first position, the saw assembly is in the upper position.

Abstract: A power tool having a base assembly, a fixed table supported by the base assembly, a rotatable table rotatably disposed on the fixed table, and a saw assembly supported by the rotatable table. One of the fixed and rotatable tables has a lip. The other of the fixed and rotatable tables has a flange overlapping the lip. The lip is disposed between the flange and a plate disposed on the other of the fixed and rotatable tables.

Abstract: A power tool with a base assembly and a table supported by the base assembly. The table has a slot. A saw assembly is pivotably supported by the table, and includes a motor, and a blade driven by the motor. A miter gauge assembly is disposable on the slot. The miter gauge assembly has a body, a fence pivotably attached to the body, and a bar pivotably attached to the body, where the bar is disposable in the slot.

Abstract: A power tool has a base assembly, a table supported by the base assembly, and a saw assembly pivotally attached to the table via a trunnion. The saw assembly includes a motor, a blade driven by the motor, an upper blade guard covering an upper part of the blade, a lower blade guard pivotally attached to the upper blade guard for covering a lower part of the blade, and an auxiliary blade guard pivotally attached to the lower blade guard. An uplock assembly has a guard lock movable between a first position contacting the lower blade guard and a second position not contacting the lower blade guard.

Abstract: A power tool with a base assembly, a table supported by the base assembly, a saw assembly supported by the table, and a first leg pivotally connected to the base assembly. A locking mechanism fixes the position of the first leg relative to the base assembly. The base assembly has at least one channel for receiving the first leg when the first leg is locked.

Abstract: The power tool has a base assembly, a table supported by the base assembly, and a saw assembly pivotably supported by the table via a trunnion. A link is attached to the saw assembly. A shaft is threadingly engaged to the link. The shaft is engagable to the trunnion, so that, when the shaft is engaged to the trunnion, the saw assembly is pivoted relative to the trunnion when the shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A device for cutting flat substances, such as paper, photographs and cardboard, adapted to provide a variety of decorative edged cuts. The cutting edges of the invention are arranged horizontally to enhance not only the quality and continuity of the decorative cuts, but also a user's ability to safely operate the invention. Cutting edges are optionally replaceable and can be stored in specially adapted holders located on the underside of the base plate cutting surface.

Abstract: A secure transport means for surface cutting equipment that prevents damage to the equipment by lifting the surface cutting device off the floor so that it cannot roll into things and isolating the diverter assembly and blade of the surface cutting device with a durable shield. The transport frame can attach to the underside of the surface cutting device. Moreover the transport frame may be secured to the transport vehicle by anchoring devices. Facilities integrated into the structure of the frame allow the cutting device to be locked to the frame via the attaching means or a separate tethered lock.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a sound box for an instrument is provided exhibiting a 3-D bracing system. The bracing system comprises a plurality of braces on both the sound board and the bottom board of the sound box. The braces exhibit varying heights and configurations to, among other things, increase the strength without increasing the weight unnecessarily.

Abstract: A string replacement assistance apparatus is used when the strings of a stringed instrument equipped with a tremolo unit are replaced. The tremolo unit makes a pivotal movement in arm-up and arm-down directions by an operation of a tremolo arm connected thereto. The string replacement assistance apparatus includes a base section which is to be put on the body of the stringed instrument and a holding section which is elongated from the base section and holds the tremolo arm to prevent the tremolo unit from the pivotal movement.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to a cradle for a musical instrument, which consists of a support having a figure-8 configuration including a pair of loops adapted to support the musical instrument without the use of any fastening device. The cradle also consists of a strap having a pair of ends, each of which is connected to a loop of the support. A buckle may be provided to adjust the length of the strap. In use, a musical instrument is positioned in the inventive cradle with the loops supporting the instrument. The strap is secured about a user so that the musical instrument is supported in a substantially horizontal position by the loops. Thereafter, the instrument is removed by lifted the instrument from the support.

Abstract: A pedal coupling device includes a body holding frame for holding the body of a bass drum, a base for placement on a supporting surface and coupled to a pedal device, and a bolt, which is a shaft for coupling the base to the body holding frame to be rotatable relative to each other. The base is rotatable between a coupling position at which the base is coupled to the pedal device and a storing position at which the base is located closer to the body. Rotating the base to the storing position when storing or carrying the bass drum enables compact storage of the pedal coupling device. Thus, the pedal coupling device is suitable for storing and carrying the bass drum.

Abstract: A sound synthesizer is provided that reduces the computational requirements of a synthesizer with a high degree of polyphony, while ensuring that audible artifacts are kept to a minimum. The synthesizer comprises a plurality of samples stored in a memory; a plurality of voices each comprising means for calculating an output using a plurality of samples selected from the plurality of samples stored in the memory; wherein a voice is active when calculating an output; wherein the number of samples selected by the means for calculating depends upon the number of active voices.