Abstract: An apparatus and a method for making music data each perform converting an input audio signal indicative of a music piece into a frequency signal indicative of magnitudes of frequency components at predetermined time intervals; extracting frequency components corresponding to tempered tones respectively at the predetermined time intervals from the frequency signal; detecting two chords each formed by a set of three frequency components as the first and second chord candidates, the three frequency components having a large total level of the frequency components corresponding to the extracted tones; and smoothing trains of the detected first and second chord candidates to produce music data.

Abstract: A multiple channel metronome for use by a plurality of musicians generally includes a signal generator for producing electrical signals according to desired timing schemes and a plurality of transducers in communication with the signal generator. Each transducer, which may take the form of a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a sensation to one of the musicians in response to one of the generated electrical signals. The communication may be established with hardwired connections, infrared links or a radio frequency transmission system. The signal generator is under the centralized control of a conductor, bandleader, lead musician or music instructor. A measuring device for determining the time of sound travel between two locations is also provided.

Abstract: A multiple channel metronome for use by a plurality of musicians generally includes a signal generator for producing electrical signals according to desired timing schemes and a plurality of transducers in communication with the signal generator. Each transducer, which may take the form of a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a sensation to one of the musicians in response to one of the generated electrical signals. The communication may be established with hardwired connections, infrared links or a radio frequency transmission system. The signal generator is under the centralized control of a conductor, bandleader, lead musician or music instructor.

Abstract: A metronome for use by a musician or group of musicians generally includes a signal generator for producing an electrical signal according to a desired timing scheme and one or more transducers in wireless communication with the signal generator. Each transducer, which may take the form of a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a sensation to the musician in response to the generated electrical signal. The wireless communication may be established with an infrared link or a radio frequency transmission system. The signal generator is under the centralized control of a conductor, bandleader, lead musician or music instructor.

Abstract: A tactile rhythm generator for use by an athlete in training generally includes a signal generator for producing an electrical signal according to a desired timing scheme and a tactile transducer in electrical communication with the signal generator. The tactile transducer, which may take the form of a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a tactile sensation to the athlete in response to the generated electrical signal. A strap, which may be formed from an elastic material or a soft cloth material with hook and loop fasteners, is provided to secure the tactile transducer in place on the musician's body.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus which is capable of imparting a natural key depression feeling with a definite and positive load change, with a simplified construction. A key touch feeling-imparting mechanism imparts a predetermined key touch feeling to a key when it is depressed. The key touch feeling-imparting mechanism is comprised of a receiving part provided on a support member, and an elastic engaging unit that has one end thereof held by a key operating part of an associated key and another end thereof slidably engaged with the receiving part.

Abstract: A stent and method for making the stent are provided. The stent comprises regions of differing numbers of braided filaments to provide a stent with different dimensions and/or properties in different regions along the stent length. A preferred stent comprises a first and second plurality of braided filaments each braided together. The second plurality of braided filaments is braided into the first plurality of braided filaments to form a region of different properties than the first. A preferred embodiment is a stent having a narrower diameter along a more flexible region and a broader diameter along a more rigid region. Also included is a method of constructing a braided stent in accordance with the above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of optimizing setting parameters for braiding a shielding sheath using spindles carrying coils of wires on a braiding machine, the sheath being braided onto a bundle of electrical conductors, and the invention also relates to such a bundle. According to the invention, the method consists in determining for each diameter in a series (s1) of consecutive electrical conductor bundle diameters, a single group (N) of spindles and a single group (M) of braiding wires so as to minimize the number of actions that need to be taken in order to adapt the machine to braiding a required diameter.

Abstract: A sensorless method and apparatus for detecting piston collisions in a free piston linear compressor motor. The waveform of the back EMF induced in the motor stator windings is analysed for slope discontinuities and other aberrations in a time window centred on the back EMF zero-crossings. Waveform slope artefacts are indicative of piston collisions and cause the motor power to be decremented in response.

Abstract: Pneumatic brake booster, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a reaction disk (30) interposed between a plunger (28) carried by a control rod actuated by the brake pedal and a thrust rod (32) acting on the primary piston of a tandem master cylinder, the reaction disk (30) being housed inside an annular metal part (36) which cooperates with a stop (50) of the thrust rod (32) by the intermediary of thermal expansion element (48) designed to compensate for the thermal expansion of the reaction disk (30) and its effect on a point of change of assistance ratio.

Abstract: A fluid activated cylinder assembly including an end cap having an annular protrusion and a hollow cylinder having an end zone. The cylinder applies compressive force to the annular protrusion in the end zone. The end zone having no accommodating cavity and no accommodating protrusion for the annular protrusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to liners for air ducts. Specifically, the invention is an article comprising a porous polymeric membrane layer and, optionally, a support layer, in which the article is a duct liner adapted to be removably positioned within a porous air duct. The liner may also be used in conventional metal and plastic ducts to reduce cleaning frequency. In another aspect, the invention is a porous air duct comprising: a liner comprising a porous polymeric membrane and, optionally, a support layer; and an openwork conduit, said liner disposed within the openwork conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a desublimator for producing particulate, solid aluminum chloride from aluminum chloride vapor, which is formed by a vessel which is closed on all sides and has vertical walls and a feed point for the aluminum chloride vapor and an offtake point for the solid aluminum chloride, wherein the walls of the vessel are formed by flat metal sheets which are welded into a rigid frame so that they can be set into vibration by being struck with a tapper.

Abstract: A process for absorbing ethylene comprising preparing a support material impregnated with an aqueous sodium permanganate solution, wherein the ethylene absorption agent is prepared by a process of selecting a support material, preparing a sodium permanganate solution, and impregnating the carrier material with the sodium permanganate solution.

Abstract: A hydrogen permeation membrane having excellent hydrogen permeability and hydrogen embrittlement resistance, and a production method thereof. This membrane is made of a niobium alloy foil having an amorphous crystal structure, the niobium alloy foil comprising 5 to 65 atomic % of at least one member selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co and Mo as a first additive element and 0.1 to 60 atomic % of at least one member selected from the group consisting of V, Ti, Zr, Ta and Hf as a second additive element together with the balance of Nb as an indispensable constituent element wherein 0.01 to 20 atomic % of Al and/or Cu may be contained as a third additive element. This alloy foil can be produced through a method comprising preparing a metal mixture of the above formulation, heating the metal mixture to the melting point or higher in an inert gas so as to melt the same and forming the melt into a film (foil) according to a liquid quenching technique.

Abstract: A gas separation system suited for extraction of gas dissolved in pressurized fluid. The system includes a semi-permeable membrane in the form of tubing having an inner core volume with an internal support present within the inner core volume. The internal support provides multiple cylindrical supporting surfaces which are presented to the inside tubing wall surface to prevent collapse of the tubing wall against external pressure. Internal supports may include a coil of spring-like configuration fitted coaxially within the tubing; or multiple filaments that form a longitudinal bundle within the core of the tubing. The response time of the system may be enhanced by the presence of an outer tubular conduit surrounding the semi-permeable membrane tubing and providing a flow path for the external fluid to increase the rate of diffusion of dissolved gases through the semi-permeable membrane. Gas pressures may be a sensed, both total and partial, as well as the identity of respective sampled gases.

Abstract: In a plasma air dust collector, the plasma air dust collector includes a first electrode fixing unit and a second electrode fixing unit respectively having a power terminal; at least two dust collecting electrodes; a discharge electrode arranged between the dust collecting electrodes; a terminal protrusion formed at the bottom end of each dust collecting electrode in the length direction; a terminal protrusion insertion hole formed at a side of the first electrode fixing unit; a combining protrusion formed at a side of the first electrode fixing unit and the second electrode fixing unit; and a combining groove formed at the both ends of each dust collecting electrode.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for autonomic filter replacement are disclosed. In a digital hardware system, a filter supply mechanism is provided that contains a supply of filter material. A filter collection mechanism is also provided. The supply and collection mechanisms are positioned such that an area of filter is spread across an air intake through which air is drawn by a fan. An electronically controlled drive mechanism is provided to drive the filter collection mechanism in response to a condition indicative of filter use. In response to the condition, a length of unused filter material is drawn from the supply and a corresponding length of used filter material is collected to cause unused filter material to be spread across the air intake.

Abstract: With respect to preference and flavor, freshly brewed coffee is superior to instant coffee. However, brewed coffee is inconvenient upon its preparation because coffee requires storage of the coffee beans and the roasting, grinding and extraction steps. Instant coffee is convenient in storage of coffee powder and brewing of coffee, but has disadvantages of being less preferred and poorly flavorful. Disclosed is a method of preparing instant coffee containing an aroma extract. The method includes preparing coffee powder by roasting dried coffee beans in an agitator at 50-100 rpm at 200-250° C., grinding the roasted coffee beans, extracting the ground coffee beans with purified water under reflux at a boiling point, and concentrating, freeze-drying and grinding the coffee extract; automatically spraying a liquid-phase aroma extract of 0.01-5 wt %, based on the total weight of coffee powder contained in the instant coffee, through a spray nozzle below 10° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a domestic porridge making appliance in which pulverizing means to pulverize ingredients of porridge such as various kinds of grains and vegetables, and heating means are formed in a single body for preparing porridge with ease.

Abstract: An oven conveyor alignment system for maintaining a conveyor belt centered on its supporting rollers is disclosed. The system comprises a camera that generates an image of alignment and stores it as a digital pixel representation. Thus, the system is able to take advantage of new improvements in digital camera resolution. The image information is used by interactive software that is able to transmit an electrical signal to a tension adjustment assembly.

Abstract: A body portion constructed of loosely interlocked solid metal interconnected members assembled adjacent to each other to form a receptacle. A top layer of the interconnected members is supported by a pair of wire frame members pivotably engaged at opposite ends to provide a way to open and close the body portion. An inverted U-shaped handle is attached to each frame member and each is offset from each other to close the body portion and each is disengaged to open the body portion.

Abstract: The desk-top steaming apparatus comprises both the body and base, and water tank and water boilers are equipped inside the base. A water intake pipe and an exhaust pipe connect both the tank and boiler, and the position of the exhaust pipe is higher than that of the water intake pipe. This type of base helps fast boiling and produces vapor, and it also has automatic water supply. Next, a light base and an advertising lampshade may be equipped on the top of the body, and the light from light base can be projected into the body to show food clearly in order to catalyze advertising effect.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for use in compacting refuse and includes at least one roller secured to a chassis having a coupling for releasably securing the chassis to a boom of a front-end loader. The invention also extends to a cleat for a roller which is formed from two halves offset from each other along a circumference of the roller.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aesthetically pleasing tea press that hides a tea bag from view as the tea bag is being used to drain tea into a cup. The tea press includes a first section and a second section movably attached to the first section, thereby enabling the first and second sections to be closed together, wherein at least one of the first and second sections defines a tea draining aperture and has a tea bag accommodating area such that the first and second sections create a cavity suitably sized to hide a tea bag from view when the sections are closed together.

Abstract: A press cylinder having at least one drivable device and having a generator assigned to the press cylinder for generating electrical energy for actuating the drivable device is disclosed. A generator housing of the generator is permanently connected to the press cylinder and rotates with the press cylinder. A generator rotor belonging to the generator and enclosed by the generator housing rotates relative to the generator housing, and it being possible for the generator rotor to be driven by an electric motor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a paper pickup unit includes a power unit to drive a shaft of the paper pickup unit, wherein the paper pickup unit includes a pressing plate at which a recording medium, such as a sheet of paper, is stacked, a paper feed unit body to receive the pressing plate, a shaft rotatably mounted on a front end of the pressing plate, a pickup roller to rotatably engage the shaft to pick up the recording medium stacked on the pressing plate, and a guide cam installed at least one side of the shaft and having a shock absorbing part engaged with a guide part installed at the paper feed unit body.

Abstract: To make the stencil printing at a stabilized density from the start of printing in a stencil printing where a plurality of kinds of inks different from each other in volatility and/or viscosity are used.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a recording head, a recording head move mechanism, and a light quantity correcting device. The recording head has a light source, an optical lens, a light emitting portion and a contact portion. The light quantity correcting device has a light quantity sensor with a light receiving portion, a cover glass plate, a base, a cylindrical cover, and a spring for biasing the cover toward the recording head.

Abstract: A printing machine color assembly presenting a main or cliché-carrying cylinder (2) and an interlocking or screened cylinder (3), each carried at its hubs (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b) by first (4a; 5a—operator side) and second (4b; 5b—motor side) slidable supports positioned on different sides of the printing machine and parallel displaceable independently from one another. The first support (5a) of at least said main cylinder (2) is detachable from the respective hub (2a) to cantileverwise position the main cylinder (2) on the second support (5b) thereby carrying out the sleeve replacement on the main cylinder (2). At least one auxiliary supporting means (17) at the second support (5b) of at least the main cylinder (2) is designed to engage with, and assist in supporting, it when cantileverwise positioned for replacing a sleeve.

Abstract: A sleeve, in particular spacer sleeve, for variable-format printing presses, has at least two metallic layers, and at least one dimensionally stable intermediate layer arranged between a first, inner metallic carrier. layer and a second, outer metallic covering layer. The at least one intermediate layer determines the thickness or wall thickness of the sleeve.

Abstract: In a device for changing over a gripper control in a turning configuration of a sheet-processing machine, there is provided a slide to be guided axially displaceably by radial stops. The device changes over a gripper control from recto printing to verso printing on a transfer device such as a drum or a cylinder of a turning configuration in a sheet-processing machine.

Abstract: A printing unit of a printing press includes a forme cylinder and a transfer cylinder and an inking unit. A drive rotates the forme cylinder to a position for effecting a printing plate change on the forme cylinder in response to an actuating signal from a regulating a or control device. The actuating signal is determined as a function a circumferential register value of the forme cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive composition comprising (i) one or more styrenic block copolymers, (ii) a tackifier resin, and (iii) one or more plasticizers, wherein the or one of the styrenic block copolymers is of the general formulae A-C-A??(1), or (A-C)n—X??(2), wherein each A independently is a polymer block of an aromatic vinyl compound, and C is a mixed polymer block (B/I) of butadiene (B) and isoprene (I) in a weight ratio B:I in the range of 30:70 to 70:30, and said polymer block C has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at most ?50° C. (determined according to ASTM E-1356-98), n is an integer equal to or greater than 2, and X is the residue of a coupling agent, and wherein the tackifier resin has an aromaticity (in relative percentage of aromatic protons as determined by H-NMR) in the range of from 3 to 18%.

Abstract: A guide member is provided at a downstream side of a stack of plates in a direction in which a planographic printing plate is conveyed. The guide member abuts a leading edge of an uppermost planographic printing plate to be conveyed, and bends the planographic printing plate, and further, permits the uppermost planographic printing plate and an interleaf paper adhering thereto in such a manner as to be inclined by being pressed by the planographic printing plate.

Abstract: In a method of forming an ink-receptive card substrate, an ink-receptive material is provided. The ink-receptive material includes a backing layer and an ink-receptive coating on a surface of the backing layer. Next, a card member is provided. Finally, the ink-receptive material is laminated to a surface of the card member with the ink-receptive coating facing the surface of the card member. This results in the bonding of the ink-receptive coating to the surface of the card member. Additional embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices that are configured to perform the above-identified method.

Abstract: A printing apparatus (1) for printing an image onto a 3-dimensional surface of a plastics article such as a mobile telephone or computer mouse (not shown) has a housing (2) having a slot (3) for receiving a drawer (4) for receiving one of more of the articles to be printed. The drawer (4) is provided with clamp release buttons (5) on a front surface (6) thereof. The housing (2) contains a heater box (7), located above the slot (3), and having a fan (8) for directing hot air through a separator plate (9) onto a transfer element (not shown) mounted on the top of drawer (4) over the article on which an image is to be printed. The transfer element has a support layer of met,allised amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET) having an aqueous coating of polyvinyl polymers, which may also contain synthetic silica, surfactants and optical brightening agents. The metallisation is formed by applying one or more metallic coatings to one side of the APET film during manufacture.

Abstract: An electronic safety and arming unit comprises a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) shutter device. The shutter (18) is suspended by thin lightweight arms and hinges, all formed by silicon processing of SOI substrates and includes holding latches for holding the shutter (18) in the closed position. The holding latches may be released by an electrothermal actuator. The shutter (18) separates an initiator section from an explosive train (6) of munitions such as shells, thereby providing safety until the shell is fired and away from its start point. After firing, the shutter (18) is opened ready for the main explosive to be detonated by the initiator (3). The shutter (18) may be suspended by a compliant displacement multiplier and may include an electrothermal actuator such as an electrically heatable bent beam. Heating of the beam causes movement of a shutter blade from a shut condition covering a firing aperture to an open condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulated cargo container with an insulated floor. The insulated floor includes insulating members and insulation layers in order to remove thermal shorts and increase the thermal efficiency of the cargo container.

Abstract: A self-dispersing colorant containing a triazine moiety and an ink composition including the same are disclosed. The ink composition has excellent storage ability. Further, images formed using the ink composition have excellent light fastness and excellent water resistance.

Abstract: A process of dispersing at least one pigment into a carrier such as castor oil or a vegetable wax such as palm oil glyceride wax. The resulting dispersion exhibits excellent color development and is fluid at room temperature. Suitable pigments include FD&C, D&C and inorganic pigments.

Abstract: Coating compositions are silane-based coating compositions containing (a) fine metal particles and/or fine metal oxide particles, and (b) a titanium compound of specific structure and/or (d) an organosiloxane oligomer of specific structure, and (c) a silane compound of specific structure. The silane-based coating compositions can give coating films having good dispersibility of fine particles (a) and high transparency even at high concentrations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lustrous black interference pigments based on a substrate mixture, characterised in that it has (A) a coating of Fe3O4 (B) a colourless coating consisting of one or more layers each having a refractive index of n?1.8, (C) optionally a coating with an absorbent, high-refractive-index material which only covers part of the surface, and optionally (D) an outer protective layer, and to the use thereof in paints, coatings, powder coatings, printing inks, plastics, ceramic materials, glasses, for the laser marking of papers and plastics, in cosmetic formulations and for the preparation of pigment compositions and dry preparations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a setting accelerator for a composition comprising Portland cement, in the form of a slurry comprising at least one calcium aluminate, 0.5 4%, preferably 0.6 2.3% of an aluminous cement setting inhibitor by weight in relation to the overall weight of the calcium alumnate, and an anti-sedimentation agent.

Abstract: This invention provides a molded three-dimensional insulator that is suitable for use in an end cone region of a pollution control device. The invention also provides a method of making the insulator. The insulator includes ceramic fibers that have a bulk shrinkage no greater than 10 weight percent. The ceramic fibers contain alumina and silica and are microcrystalline, crystalline, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A shipping method including shipping specialized pallets from a factory to a distribution center, shipping specialized pallets from a distribution center to a customer, returning specialized pallets from the customer to the factory, and reusing the specialized pallets, wherein the specialized pallets separate batteries of battery packs during the shipping.

Abstract: A room service table includes a frame, a tabletop including folding side portions and wheels. A push handle assembly mounts to an underside of the table and includes a handle portion and a hinge body portion. The handle portion includes a grip, a support portion and a hinge pin portion. The hinge body mounts to the tabletop and includes barrel portions supporting the hinge pin portion. The hinge pin portion has a tab formed in an end thereof engaging a complementary slot formed in the hinge body portion. The slot includes a first section and a second section that receive and retain the tab for aligning and securing the handle at the use position and at the storage position. The biasing member urges the pin toward the slot. Rotation is accomplished by sliding the handle axially so that the tab disengages the slot and rotating the handle to the desired position and then releasing the handle.

Abstract: A folding table having a table top and a support frame which includes a perimeter frame assembly and a central support/pivot assembly. The perimeter frame assembly includes first and second leg assemblies which are pivotally attached to said the central support/pivot assembly. Also a frame for a folding table.

Abstract: An automaton intelligent robot device use to watch cars and transportation for possible theft, crime activities, and automatic make calls to seek medical aid for passenger if serious accident occurs, that built in and attached as parts and accessory of cars and transportations. The robot device has computer control center and adapters to connect and control with server modules that can attach sensors, video cameras, Global Position System, and video cell phone communication channels. Using micro controllers to control sensors' input, output signals, the robot will consistently monitor and watch our cars and transportation, when robot detect any suspicious signals of theft, crime activities, serious accident, the intelligent robot will able to decide what actions base on its programming list making decision to make video cell phone calls to who should call for the issue, and transfer video in real time and brief situation report to the owner and who is concern the issue such as police, 911, medical department.

Abstract: A currency/credit card receiving unit is attachable to a vending machine or amusement device with first and second spaced apart flanges. None of the flanges is fixed relative to the unit. The other flange is moveable and is attachable to the unit in a secure region to clamp the unit to the respective vending machine or amusement device. With this configuration all of the retaining fasteners are located in a secure closed region.