Abstract: A resilient band holds a pick for a stringed musical instrument securely in contact with a thumb or finger of the instrumentalist. In one aspect this device appears as a ring that has been slit along its center line over a portion of its circumference, the slit then being separated to produce a Y-shape. The two arms and leg of the Y provide the pick with a three-point support that maintains stability of the pick against a finger in both strumming and plucking modes over a wide range of attack angles. The resiliency of the band serves to adapt to various fingers as well as to a variety of conventional picks according to the preferences of the user, including flat picks, thumb picks, and finger picks. Methods of manufacture are described.

Abstract: A cushioning guitar strap reduces unit load on the shoulder by the use of a relatively wide cushioning pad formed with a soft flexible foam layer to conform to a user's shoulder under the load of a guitar, with a flexible film, which is dimensionally stable in use under the load of a guitar, bonded to the foam layer to transfer the load over the area of the pad. Front and back straps connected to the cushioning pad each have a quick connect-disconnect adjustment mechanism permitting adjustment of strap length while the guitar strap is in use over the shoulder supporting a guitar.

Abstract: A percussion instrument includes a stand, an operating rod defining a first axis, a foot pedal operably associated with the operating rod for permitting movement of the operating rod along the first axis, and a pair of movable arms coupled to the stand. A first rigid vibrator is disposed on one of the arms and a second rigid vibrator is disposed on the other of the arms. A clutch is coupled to the arms for governing movement thereof, wherein the arms are rotatable toward each other and toward the first axis.

Abstract: An integrated system and software package for creating and performing a musical score including a user interface that enables a user to enter and display the musical score, a database that stores a data structure which supports graphical symbols for musical characters in the musical score and performance generation data that is derived from the graphical symbols, a musical font that includes a numbering system that corresponds to the musical characters, a compiler that generates the performance generation data from the database, a performance generator that reads the performance generation data from the compiler and synchronizes the performance of the musical score, and a synthesizer that responds to commands from the performance generator and creates preassembled data for acoustical playback of the musical score that is output to a sound generation device. The synthesizer generates the data for acoustical playback from a proprietary library of digital sound samples.

Abstract: A plurality of client-side electronic musical apparatuses 10 are connected to a server-side electronic musical apparatus 30 through a communications network 50. Each of the client-side electronic musical apparatuses 10, which is provided with an ID, attaches the ID to a signal representative of operation of performance operators 11 and setting operators 12, and transmits the ID-added signal to the server-side electronic musical apparatus 30. The server-side electronic musical apparatus 30 independently and concurrently executes, through the use of the ID, processes corresponding to the operational signals for the respective client-side electronic musical apparatuses 10 to generate musical tone data and display data, and transmits the generated data with the ID to the respective client-side electronic musical apparatuses 10. The thus-transmitted data is appropriately received by the client-side electronic musical apparatus 10 identified on the basis of the ID.

Abstract: A method of providing dance music includes receiving a request of a dance type or tempo from a user interface. A song is selected conforming to the request. A device having a user interface, memory, processor, and audio signal generator provides dance music conforming to tempo or dance type requests.

Abstract: An electronic reverberation system employs a processor to produce a plurality of delays samples that are added to a direct signal to produce reverberant sound. The disclosed system generates or employs a list of gain value pairs that are produced based on control settings or are provided as fixed coefficients. The processor generates reverberation samples by applying these coefficients to delay samples and summing their amplitudes to produce reverberation waveform samples. The reverberation waveform samples are added to the direct signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for reproducing a MIDI file are provided. In the apparatus and the method, a point that limits reproduction of a MIDI file is determined and reproduction of the MIDI file is forcibly terminated at the determined reproduction limitation point when the MIDI file is reproduced. Therefore, non-continuous points are reduced and thus noises are reduced, so that the MIDI file can be reproduced in high quality.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reproducing a MIDI file are provided. In the apparatus and the method, notes and note reproduction times are extracted from the MIDI file and a difference between a start point and an end point in a Loop section of relevant sound source data according to the note reproduction time is detected and stored. The above stored difference between the start point and end point of the sound source data which will be reproduced is compensated and outputted, so that sound quality distortion in the Loop section is eliminated or reduced.

Abstract: A method for deflecting a projectile from an initial trajectory. Such a projectile has a first surface area and a second surface area and moves through a gaseous atmosphere with a surrounding plasma sheath. This method includes the step of directing electromagnetic radiation toward the projectile, wherein the electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength which is absorbed by the plasma sheath but is not substantially absorbed by the gaseous atmosphere.

Abstract: A launcher includes a plurality of launch tubes for stowing and launching a plurality of air vehicles. A central air manifold is operatively connected to an air storage tank; a first launch tube air manifold is operatively connected to a first group of the launch tubes and operatively connected to the central air manifold. The first launch tube air manifold has a separate port corresponding to each launch tube of the first group of launch tubes. A release valve mechanism is removably mounted in one of the ports of the first launch tube air manifold, the release valve mechanism controlling the passage of launch air between the first launch tube air manifold and the launch tube corresponding to the port in which the release valve mechanism is mounted. A plug is removably mounted in each of the ports not occupied by the release valve mechanism.

Abstract: An armored shield includes an armor plate, an elongated spine member and a securing snap member. The modular armored shield is formed of the armor plate placed on two resting surfaces of a backside of the spine member with a hump portion of the elongated spine member extending through an armor plate slot and a securing snap member being mounted to the hump portion of the spine member with the hump portion extending through a securing snap slot. A modular armored shield assembly includes a plurality of armor plates joined at edges where at least one of two adjacent plates has threaded studs extending from the surface thereof and the other of said two adjacent plates has edges slots opening to the edge thereof at positions corresponding to positions of the studs. The modular armored shield assembly further includes a securing strip.

Abstract: Disclosed is an explosive reactive armor with a momentum transfer mechanism by developing a new protection mechanism in which a momentum transfer mechanism by detonation of a reactive material is integrated with a thickness increase mechanism. In this explosive reactive armor with the momentum transfer mechanism, a flying element always travels with a vertical angle or a slant angle with respect to an ongoing direction of the threat such that a momentum of the flying element is transferred to the threat effectively. As a result of this, shear force is induced over an entire length of the threat and thus the threat can be destroyed. Therefore, a protection effect can always be achieved regardless of an impact angle of the threat. Also, a protection capability can be achieved even in case of a vertical impact which is the most vulnerable case for the existing explosive reactive armor.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit is disclosed that can include a flow control element, a pressure compensator connected via a pair of load sense lines to an inlet line and an outlet line, respectively, of a flow control element to provide a constant pressure drop across the flow control element, and a load sense line control valve installed in a load sense line to provide controllable resistance in a flow passage in opposite flow directions, the resistance in each flow direction being different. The load sense line control valve can include a restrictive orifice followed by a spring-loaded check valve in a first flow direction and at least one other restrictive orifice and a check valve in a second flow direction, the second flow direction opposing the first flow direction.

Abstract: In paper and board machines the position of a rolling device relative to another rolling device and/or the force exerted by the rolling device on the other rolling device or any variable acting on these is measured, and the value of the measured variable is compared with the set value of said variable in order to obtain the difference value of the variable, and the position of the rolling device and/or the force it exerts on the other rolling device is controlled on the basis of the difference value. The fluid pressure of the hydraulic means (5) and/or the flow velocity of the fluid to the hydraulic means is changed in order to alter the difference value of the variable by opening and/or closing at least one digital valve in a digital valve pack (7) functionally connected to the hydraulic means (S).

Abstract: An actuator is provided to generate an ultrafine stroke according to a fluid input pressure such as air pressure or the like. A throughhole 12 is formed in a center part of a body 10 so as to traverse a body 10 having plural notches 21-24 formed vertically on the body, a depression 13 is formed at the end of the body 10, and a rod 17 connected with a pressure plate 16 housed and held in the depression 13 is disposed in this throughhole 20. When an input pressure is applied to the pressure plate 16 via a diaphragm 19, an output point P generates a stroke due to the elastic deformation of a join part at the end of the notches 21-24.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a matrix fluid to remove one or more impurities (such as moisture from a process gas). The purifier includes a pre-cooler that receives the matrix fluid and cools the matrix fluid to a second, lower temperature. A container is provided to contain a purifier element made up of a high surface area material. The container includes an inlet for receiving the matrix fluid from the pre-cooler and an outlet for outputting the matrix fluid after it is forced to flow through the purifier element. The purifier includes a cooler in thermal contact with an outer surface of the container to cool the outer surface of the container to a purifying temperature, which is selected to be below the ambient temperature and above a phase change point of the matrix fluid and is typically in the range of about 0 to ?200° C.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for efficiently venting impurities from a heat recovery steam generator system by concentrating the impurities in a condensing deaerating vent line 40 and then venting a proportionately small amount of steam with a proportionately high concentration of impurities. The condensing deaerating vent line 40 is attached to a low pressure drum 10, and feed water 54 may be added to the upper portion of the condensing deaerating vent line 40 to improve condensation and conserve thermal energy.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing ingression of contaminants and moisture and for removing moisture from a fluid reservoir, the device comprising a fluid reservoir for supporting a fluid therein, a fluid reservoir opening for allowing an exchanging of air between an interior of the fluid reservoir and the ambient surrounding, and a membrane-based reservoir dryer located in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, the membrane-based reservoir dryer comprising a source of compressed gas and a membrane dryer for drying the compressed gas to increase the capacity of the compressed gas for absorbing moisture from the fluid in the reservoir.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator cell is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrostatic precipitator cell includes a connection rod including first and second ends, a length, a cross-sectional shape, and a lengthwise surface. The electrostatic precipitator cell further includes collection plates located in spaced-apart arrangement on the connection rod. A collection plate includes at least one aperture. The central aperture substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the connection rod. The electrostatic precipitator cell further includes an attachment device(s) for removably attaching the collection plates to the connection rod. The collection plates are held in a substantially parallel orientation on the connection rod by the attachment device(s).

Abstract: In one aspect, a product gas concentrator is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include: a first process separating adsorbable components from a source gaseous mixture, a second process providing concentrated product gas in a continuous output mode, a third process providing concentrated product gas in a pulsed output mode, and a fourth process selectively switching between the continuous and pulsed output modes. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include: a first process pressurizing a source gaseous mixture, a second process separating adsorbable components from the pressurized gaseous mixture, a product tank accumulating concentrated product gas for dispensing, an output path, a third process selecting a volume to be dispensed during a predetermined time, a pressure sensor monitoring pressure of the concentrated product gas, and a fourth process controlling flow of the concentrated product gas in response to the selected volume and the monitored pressure.

Abstract: Disposed is an air purifier, which includes a mounting structure with air inlets and air outlets for installation in the ceiling of a house, an air purifying unit formed of a photocatalytic filter and an active carbon-coated filter and a number of ultraviolet lamps and mounted inside the mounting unit, and a fan unit formed of a turbofan and mounted in the mounting structure for draw air into the air inlets toward the air outlets via the air purifying unit.

Abstract: A cyclone separator cooler separates particles from an injected mixture of gas and particulate matter. The inside of the cyclone separator is provided with a flow of liquid. An inside wall of the cyclone separator is at least partially coated with the flowing liquid. Particulate solids in the injected gas and solids mixture are moved to the wall of the cyclone separator by centrifugal force and are removed along with the flow of liquid. The liquid facilitates separation and removal of the particles and also cools the cyclone separator and the gas mixture flowing through it.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in sidestream gas sampling assembly. The filter assembly of the present invention includes a hydrophilic The filter further includes a hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic liner. The hydrophobic disk acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism member that is constructed from a porous material and is situated such that gas entering the filter assembly passes through at least a portion the hydrophilic member. In a further embodiment, the filter includes a hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic member. The hydrophobic member acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism in the gas sampling assembly.

Abstract: An ice beverage-making apparatus includes a housing, an electric motor located within the housing, a torque transmission supported by the housing and receiving input from the electric motor and providing a first output shaft and a second-speed output shaft that rotates at a different speed than the first output shaft. The apparatus further includes an ice crushing module supported by the housing and receiving torque from the first output shaft, and a blending module receiving torque from the second output shaft.

Abstract: A device for preparing hot beverages includes a water container (14), which is located on a first base plate (11), can be removed from said base plate and has a first heating device (37) for heating the water in the container, a filter unit (22) for receiving ground coffee or tea leaves, elements (25, 35) for conveying water from the water container (14) to the filter unit (22), the elements (25, 35) for conveying water having a second heating device (36) for heating the water to be conveyed, and a receiving pot (21), located downstream of the filter unit (22). The water container (14) can be selectively placed in a first position, in which said water (14) acts as a reservoir for the water to be conveyed to the filter unit (22), or a second position that is preferably offset at an angle in relation to the first position, in which the water container (14) acts as a kettle. If the water container is removed, other cordless kitchen equipment, such as egg boilers or toasters can be placed on said base plate (11).

Abstract: An oil delivery system for a popcorn popping machine to deliver cooking oil to a kettle of the popping machine. In one embodiment, the oil delivery system includes more or more containers of oil which are supported within a cabinet of the popping machine so that the outlet of each container is facing downwardly so as to be oriented along a vertical axis. Flexible tubing is provided to connect the outlets of the containers to a pump of the oil delivery system. Each container may comprise a flexible bag which is enclosed in a rectangular box. The outlets of the flexible bags include quick connect/disconnect connectors which are connected with quick connect/disconnect connectors provided on the flexible tubing. The oil delivery system is provided with a flow sensor to detect when a container of oil is empty and provide an alert to an operator to remove and replace the container with a filled container. An electronic valve is provided in the oil delivery system to control the flow of oil from the containers.

Abstract: A digital cooking pan provides temperature and/or food doneness information associated with food cooked within the pan. A thermal sensor coupled with the pan senses temperature and generates corresponding signals, and processing electronics coupled with the sensor convert the signals to data to provide indications to a user of food cooked within the pan. The cooking pan may be programmed to desired food types or personal temperatures or food doneness options. An electronic cooking system is also provided in which processing electronics generate a signal relating to cooking characteristics; the signal is transmitted to a cooking appliance controller connected to a cooking appliance to regulate energy output of one or more burners of the appliance. In this way, the heat generated by a cooking appliance for cooking in the digital cooking pan is automatically controlled while the pan is in use.

Abstract: A processing chamber is partitioned into a processing space and an evacuation space by a partitioning plate having formed therein a plurality of communicating holes. A processing gas supply means for supplying a processing gas into the processing space, a pressure adjusting gas supply means for supplying a pressure adjusting gas to be used to adjust the pressure inside the processing chamber into the evacuation space and a pressure controller are disposed at the processing chamber. When the processing gas is supplied from the processing gas supply means, the pressure controller executes pressure control so as to set the pressure in the processing space to a predetermined level by supplying the pressure adjusting gas from the pressure adjusting gas supply means. As a result, the pressure inside the processing chamber can be controlled without having to control the displacement quantity of the processing chamber or adversely affecting the substrate processing.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that is used to from a block of cheese having a brand marking. The container has dividers located on an internal side of a sidewall of the container. The block of cheese may be divided into slices of cheese where a slice of cheese has a brand marking.

Abstract: A juice extractor appliance for extracting juice from food articles, includes: a housing having an inlet feed tube for feeding food articles into the appliance, and an outlet for outletting juice extract from the food articles; a pusher rod for manually pushing the food articles through the inlet feed tube; and a cutter disc rotatable about a central disc axis and including a plurality of cutting edges projecting from one side of the disc facing the inlet feed tube for cutting the food articles into a pulp saturated with juice when the food article is pushed against the cutter disc by the pusher rod.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for processing organic substances such as food and the like, by which time and costs for processing the organic substances are reduced to enhance performance of processing the organic substances. The present invention includes a dewatering means for separating moisture from inputted inorganic substances and a drying means provided to one side of the dewatering means for drying the inorganic substances discharged from the dewatering means.

Abstract: A bale set-down system and method for setting down bales from an agricultural baling press onto a field includes placing down of at least one bale on a ground, and setting down at least one another bale in a direct vicinity of the first mentioned bale that has already been placed on the ground.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile crusher for crushing containers such as 55-gallon drums. The apparatus includes a crusher head and crusher base, each of which are quickly and easily attached to a forklift. When actuated, the forks of the forklift drive the crusher base and container resting on it into the crusher head, thereby crushing the container. The apparatus may be configured to accommodate different sizes of forklifts and may include an optional device to puncture the container at the onset of the crushing action.

Abstract: Pivotable, citrus juicer, press type, it has two arms having, at one of their ends, a spherical semi-cap to hold the fruit; the arm at the upper part is solid, backing-up, rounded outline, with a circular cross-section at the center part, and flat towards the outmost end from the pivot; at the lower part of the semi-sphere it has a rounded groove; next to the spherical zone there is a thicker, perforated rib, to install a shaft mating the lower part; the lower part of the assembly consists of a bent, thin-walled arm, attached to an empty, thin-walled semi-sphere, with symmetrical holes at the bottom; at the opposite end of the arm, it has two ribs thicker than the semi-sphere's wall, which are separated to allow the rib of the upper part of the assemble to fit, so that allowing the assembly to rotate.

Abstract: In an embossing unit, sheet material is fed between a first and at least one second embossing roller rotating in opposite direction and having first and second outer embossing tips respectively, and at least the first embossing roller has a metal core covered with a ceramic cylindrical jacket connected integrally to the metal core and having the first embossing tips on the outside; the first embossing roller being angularly integral with at least one first gear which meshes with a corresponding second gear angularly integral with the second embossing roller; and angular connection of the first gear to the first embossing roller being adjusted micrometrically to time the two embossing rollers with respect to each other, so that, in use, the first embossing tips are maintained at all times in a position meshing with the second embossing tips.

Abstract: An embossing assembly for sheet material includes at least two embossing rollers, the ends of which are rotatably mounted in the side panels of an embossing machine. Each of the side panels is divided into a fixed portion and at least one movable portion. The ends of the embossing rollers are mounted in supports which are removably fixed in seats formed in the fixed portions of the side panels or in the movable portions of the side panels of the machine. In this manner, when the movable portions of side panels are moved with respect to the fixed portions of side panels, a space is cleared for removal of at least a portion of the embossing roller supports.

Abstract: A squeegee unit for a rotary screen-printing device comprises a squeegee (2) with a squeegee edge (3) which is designed, during operation of a rotary screen-printing device in which the squeegee unit is mounted, to be pressed onto the inner side of a cylindrical screen of the rotary screen-printing device, and a squeegee holder (1) in which the squeegee is mounted. The squeegee edge (3) can be moved away from the squeegee holder (1) and towards the squeegee holder. A resilient element (18) is arranged between the squeegee edge (3) and the squeegee holder (1), in such a manner that the squeegee edge is pressed away from the squeegee holder by spring force. The squeegee unit is provided with travel-limiting means which are designed in such a manner that the squeegee edge (3) can be moved over a relatively short distance of at most 1 mm and preferably of at most 0.5 from the working position in a direction away from the squeegee holder.

Abstract: Conductive ink is printed onto a wafer held on a vertically movable stage by using a squeegee to force the conductive ink through a stencil. The stencil is supported from below by a supporting member adjacent to the periphery of the stage. After the conductive ink has been printed through the stencil, pneumatic pressure is applied to the stencil from above, and the stage is lowered to separate the wafer from the stencil. The supporting member holds the stencil taut while the stage is being lowered, so that the stencil does not warp downward and the printed conductive ink leaves the stencil at substantially the same time at all points on the wafer surface, preventing the premature escape of air and loss of pneumatic pressure.

Abstract: In order to keep a spray nozzle (3) in a printing press spray beam (1) clean, air with a certain overpressure is supplied to a cover (5; 13; 24) surrounding the spray nozzle (3), the spray cone from the spray nozzle leaving the cover undisturbed through a slot (7; 16; 26) therein.

Abstract: An improved printing press includes a tubular-shaped printing blanket removably disposed on a blanket cylinder rotatably supported by a frame and having an outer circumferential surface. The printing blanket is disposed in rolling engagement with a conventional printing plate disposed on a plate cylinder having an axially extending gap in which opposite ends of the printing plate are secured. The printing blanket is removed by opening a portion of the frame and axially sliding the printing blanket off of the blanket cylinder. The blanket cylinder has passages which deliver a stream of air to the outer surface of the blanket cylinder which expands the inner circumferential surface of the printing blanket so that the blanket can be axially removed or inserted onto the blanket cylinder. The printing blanket has a metal inner surface which is tensioned by the blanket cylinder to retain the printing blanket on the blanket cylinder during operation of the press.

Abstract: The invention is relates a web cleaning apparatus including: a pair of operatively rotating cleaning rollers operatively disposed on opposite sides of the web; a housing surrounding a major part of the surface of each roller; a vacuum chamber substantially co-extensive with each roller; a longitudinal slot extending parallel to each roller and substantially co-extensive therewith, the slot having an inlet proximate the roller surface and an outlet in communication with the vacuum chamber and operatively providing an air flow path from adjacent the roller into the vacuum chamber, wherein the air flow speed at each inlet is not less than the surface speed of the rollers, and a method of using such apparatus. Another apparatus of the invention includes a housing surrounding the roller and spaced therefrom with a gap of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. Further embodiments of the invention provide a shutter for controlling the air flow around the rollers in a cleaning step.

Abstract: A printing plate comprises a substantially planar substrate, a porous non-anodic ungrained coating, having a thickness within the range of about 0.1 to about 30 microns and comprising at least one of metals, metal oxides and admixtures thereof, and an image recording layer, provided that where the porous coating consists essentially of oxide(s) only, it comprises at least one oxide of copper, magnesium, cadmium, aluminum, zirconium, hafnium, thorium, chromium, tungsten, molybdenum and (or) cobalt, and further provided that where the porous coating consists essentially of alumina only, it comprises specified pores. The invention also relates to an article of manufacture having a nanometric porous surface layer comprising at least one of metals, metal oxides and mixtures thereof, which comprises pores in the surface layer having a width in a range 0-100 nm, and wherein a major number of pores in this range have a width in a band of about 1 to about 30 nm.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a system for thermally treating a photosensitive element to form a relief structure suitable for flexographic printing. The system of the invention comprises a plurality of consecutively arranged blotting stations for removing uncured photopolymer from the imaged surface of the photosensitive printing element. The flexographic plates produced in the apparatus of the invention are especially suited for use in printing newspapers and other publications.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes applying at least one invisible mark to media, sensing the at least one invisible mark with separate sensors, and determining a speed of the media from signals of the separate sensors.

Abstract: A method for setting the cut register in a web-fed rotary press includes assigning a cut register function to a predetermined speed function, wherein the predetermined speed function describes a time curve of an operating speed of the rotary press starting from a predetermined initial value and the cut register function describes a time curve of the set value of the cut register, and changing the set value of the cut register continuously and synchronously in accordance with the associated cut register function during a variation in the operating speed of the rotary press according to the predetermined speed function, the cut register function being chosen empirically such that it counteracts a change in the actual value of the cut position as a result of the change in the operating speed.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: A pyrotechnical firing installation comprises a plurality of detonators (3, 4), each with an electric cable (5, 6) comprising at least two connection conductors, and a surface line to which is connected the cable of the detonator. The surface line is formed by sections. Every section comprises a terminal or end part (5a, 6a) of the electric cable (5, 6) coming from a detonator (3, 4) and an end connector (7, 8) to electrically connect this terminal part (5a, 6a) to the cable of the next detonator, at a point of the latter defining the origin of its terminal part.

Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead includes a projectile core which includes a plurality of individual projectiles, an explosive charge about the core, at least one detonator for the explosive charge, and an explosive sheet on each end of the projectile core.

Abstract: Anesthetic is regarded new weapon in warfare use as a deal for an exchange of captured prisoners between two sides. Human lives can be saved during their military mission.