Patents Issued in May 25, 2006
  • Publication number: 20060107781
    Abstract: A gearshift lever knob for hand shifting vehicle includes a knob body having a vertically upward extended and internally threaded mounting hole; an externally threaded sleeve having an upper end screwed into the mounting hole of the knob body, and a lower end downward projected from the knob body to mount on an upper end of a gearshift lever; and a locating cup defining an internally threaded central bore for screwing onto the lower end of the threaded sleeve and thereby tightly pressing the threaded sleeve against the gearshift lever. And, an elastic cover with an anti-slip outer surface encloses an outer surface of the knob body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Alice Yao
  • Publication number: 20060107782
    Abstract: This automobile anti-theft device comprises a removable stick gear shifter, release mechanism, and possibly a second level safety release mechanism, steel ball bearing, an exclusive shaft key lock component, and electrical connections depending on the type of transmission in use. These components are designed to function in unison to allow a car operator to remove a gear shifter to prevent automobile theft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Alvin Perry
  • Publication number: 20060107783
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising a bicycle fork (1) and a headset (J) on a steering column (2) of a bicycle frame. According to the invention, the fork is solidly connected to a pivot (3) which extends (3a) beyond the end of the steering column, opposite that comprising the fork, such that a handlebar stem can be fixed thereto using the external screw thread of the pivot. The aforementioned headset (J) comprises a lower bearing (7) and an upper bearing (8) and an adjustment means (M) is provided for the axial clamping of said headset. Moreover, in the area at the end of the steering column opposite that comprising the fork, the outer surface of the pivot (3) contains a zone (B) which is equipped with first connecting means (13), while the above-mentioned pivot extension (3a), which is disposed at the end opposite that comprising the fork (1), has no such connecting means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: Time Sport International
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Gueugneaud
  • Publication number: 20060107784
    Abstract: A method for assembling a vehicle steering system includes providing a pre-assembled steering column module that includes a steering wheel, an airbag module coupled to the steering wheel, an electronic conduit, a clock spring in electronic communication with the steering wheel and the electronic conduit, and at least one steering column component in electronic communication with the electronic conduit. The method also includes providing a vehicle including vehicle system circuitry and a vehicle steering mechanism. The method further includes coupling the pre-assembled steering column module to the vehicle system circuitry and to the vehicle steering mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: William Bostic, Alex Koenig, Carl Peterson
  • Publication number: 20060107785
    Abstract: An active slide (10) for doors of lifts' cabins, comprising a linearly developing blade, vertically oriented, featuring respective ends folded according to the same angle, connected in an articulated manner with a carriage (12) connected to a driving engine by means of a cogged belt (14) and a lever (16) through elastic means (20), said slide cooperating with a balancing hook (18) and an unlock lever (22); the unlock lever (22) is operatively connected to electrically activating means (24) provided with a cam (26) or the like for striking the free end of the lever itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Roberto Zappa
  • Publication number: 20060107786
    Abstract: A steerable primary axle for a fairway mower or other machine includes a pair of motors mounted in fixed positions on opposing ends of an axle. The mechanical drive system includes a pair of input shafts having input bevel gears, a pair of output shafts with output bevel gears and wheel mounts, and a pair of intermediate shafts between the input shafts and output shafts. Each intermediate shaft has an upper bevel gear meshed with the input bevel gear and a lower bevel gear meshed with the output bevel gear. The output shafts may be enclosed within pivotable housings. A pair of drag links are attached to the pivotable housings and to a steering linkage. The wheels on the wheel mounts may be steered without moving the motors, reducing or minimizing strain on hydraulic hoses or electric cables on the steered wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: David Phillips
  • Publication number: 20060107787
    Abstract: An adjustable gear arrangement for synchronization of multiple generators in a gas turbine engine is provided. The adjustable gear arrangement comprises a two-piece splined shaft that allows for the precise adjustment of the gears in synchronizing the generators. A method for synchronizing multiple generators using the adjustable gear arrangement of the present invention is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Herlihy, Ronald Maty, Edward Brady
  • Publication number: 20060107788
    Abstract: The present invention provides a metal powder production process capable of efficiently producing a metal at high purity directly from a metal compound, and preferably enables the process to be carried out continuously. The metal powder production process according to the present invention is a process for producing a metal powder by using a metal compound for the raw material and reducing said metal compound, comprising: a molding step in which the metal compound is mixed with a binder, is molded, and is sintered to produce a metal compound feed compact; and, a reducing step in which a metal is formed by reducing the metal compound by contacting the metal compound feed compact with an active metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Toru Okabe, Masana Imagumbai
  • Publication number: 20060107789
    Abstract: A plasma arc reactor and process for producing a powder from a solid feed material, for example aluminium, is provided. The reactor comprises: (a) a first electrode (5), (b) a second electrode (10) which is adapted to be spaced apart from the first electrode by a distance sufficient to achieve a plasma arc therebetween, (c) means for introducing a plasma gas into the space between the first and second electrodes, (d) means for generating a plasma arc in the space between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a channel (7) running therethrough, an outlet of the channel exiting into the space between the first and second electrodes, and wherein means are provided for feeding solid material (20) through the channel to exit therefrom via the outlet into the space between the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: TETRONICS LIMITED
    Inventors: David Deegan, Chris Chapman, Timothy Johnson
  • Publication number: 20060107790
    Abstract: A system for producing an elemental material or an alloy thereof from a halide of the elemental material or halide mixtures comprising a reactor for introducing the vapor halide of an elemental material or halide mixtures thereof into a liquid phase of a reducing metal of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal or mixtures thereof present in less than or equal to the amount needed to reduce the halide vapor to the elemental material or alloy resulting in an exothermic reaction between the vapor halide and the liquid reducing metal producing particulate elemental material or alloy thereof and particulate halide salt of the reducing metal, a chamber wherein the reaction products are cooled so that substantially all the particulate elemental material or alloy remains unsintered, and a separator for separating the particulate metal or alloy reaction products from the particulate salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL TITANIUM POWDER, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Anderson, Donn Armstrong, Jacobsen Lance
  • Publication number: 20060107791
    Abstract: After a reducing agent is added to a water reaction system containing silver ions to deposit silver particles by reduction, the silver particles are dried to obtain a silver powder which is heat-treated at a temperature of higher than 100° C. and lower than 400° C. The silver powder thus heat-treated has a maximum coefficient of thermal expansion of not greater than 1.5% at a temperature of 50° C. to 800° C., and has no heating peak when the silver powder is heated from 50° C. to 800° C. The silver powder has an ignition loss of not greater than 1.0% when the silver powder is ignited until the weight of the silver powder is constant at 800° C. The silver powder has a tap density of not less than 2 g/cm3 and a BET specific surface area of not greater than 5 m2/g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Takatoshi Fujino, Kozo Ogi
  • Publication number: 20060107792
    Abstract: A method of producing a fine, low bulk density nickel powder, comprising a) charging particles of at least one reducible nickel salt within a furnace so as to form a moving bed of furnace charge, and b) reducing the furnace charge with a H2 containing gas at a temperature ranging from about 300° C. to about 500° C., the bed of furnace charge being moved gently so as to minimise formation of hard agglomerates and obtaining a fine, low bulk density nickel powder. A similar method, wherein the furnace charge is static and contained within a shallow bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Collins, Patrique Carriere, Sandra Kuula
  • Publication number: 20060107793
    Abstract: A method for concentration of fine particles dispersed in a dispersion into an ionic liquid comprising, adding an ionic liquid, especially an organic ionic liquid at ordinary temperature, e.g., a salt of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium with PF6? to a dilute dispersion of fine particles so as to concentrate the fine particles into the ionic liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Chiaki Yokoyama, Hitoshi Kasai, Eiji Sarashina, Hiroshi Inomata, Hachiro Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20060107794
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for decontaminating molten metal compositions. A molten metal composition (typically containing elemental lead or a lead alloy) is initially provided which also includes various inorganic contaminants. The composition is placed in contact with a specialized decontamination member which actively allows diffusion of the contaminants therein. As a result, the contaminants are removed from the molten metal composition. Contaminants of particular interest in lead-based molten metal compositions include arsenic, tin, antimony, tellurium, and combinations thereof. A reducing agent is optimally combined with the molten metal composition to prevent oxide formation on the decontamination member. The decontamination member preferably contains iron in the form of an iron alloy (for example, steel). Additional preferred components in the decontamination system include an iron trap for removing iron-containing contaminants from the molten metal composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Eric Loewen, Larry Phelps
  • Publication number: 20060107795
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for changing a fluorescent light, in particular a compact fluorescent light. Generally, the device comprises a light bulb receiving portion with a receptacle sufficient in size to accommodate a compact fluorescent light. The device further comprises a latching mechanism for engaging the bulb portion of a compact fluorescent light bulb, whereby the latching mechanism is located on the light bulb receiving portion and facilitates removal of a compact fluorescent light. By properly orientating the device around a compact fluorescent light, one can also use the device to install a compact fluorescent light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Otis Wright
  • Publication number: 20060107796
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gripping tool for installing and removing a connector. The gripping tool includes a first body member and a second body member. The first body member defines a first jaw portion and a first handle portion. The first jaw portion includes a first tip. The second body member defines a second jaw portion and a second handle portion. The second jaw portion includes a second tip. The first and the second handle portions are coupled to one another at distal ends for pivoting movement about an axis between an open position and a gripping position. The first and second tips include gripping means for securely engaging the connector positioned between the first and second jaw portions in response to the first and second body members being moved from the open position to the gripping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: Ben Hughes Communication Products Company
    Inventor: David Morrow
  • Publication number: 20060107797
    Abstract: A depth stop device (14) for use with a hand-held screw driving tool (2) includes an axial element (32) for driving a screw bit (34) and a sleeve element (20) having a longitudinal bore (30) in which the axial element (32) is at least partially received and an exit opening (36) extending sidewise from the longitudinal bore (30). The exit opening (36) is limited by a deflection surface (40) which is stretched over an intersection plane (SE) and has a geometrical center (M) that forms an origin of a spatial system of coordinates. The intersection plane (SE) forms with a tangential axis (T) of the spatial coordinate system that extends perpendicular to both the longitudinal (L) and radial (R) axis of the coordinate system, an acute angle (?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Bader, Matthias Keith
  • Publication number: 20060107798
    Abstract: A ratchet-based, torque-enhanced fastener tool for tightening and loosening nuts, bolts, lug nuts and other fasteners includes a main housing and a handle attached to the main housing. A trigger is movably connected so that it can be moved in a reciprocal manner. A drive mechanism in the main housing is connected to the handle such that reciprocal movement of the handle moves the drive mechanism. A ratchet gear is functionally connected to the drive mechanism so as to rotate when the drive mechanism is moved. A drive gear is connected to the ratchet gear so as to rotate when the ratchet gear is so rotated. A socket wrench driver is connected to the drive gear so as to rotate simultaneously with the drive gear. By this arrangement, a user may attach a nut socket to the socket wrench driver, hold the handle and squeeze and release the trigger repeatedly to rotate the nut socket to drive a nut or other fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Loren Falzone
  • Publication number: 20060107799
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench rotatably operable in a vertical plane for removal and installation of a fastener includes a body with a shank portion and outwardly extending first and second member forming an offset in such body. A first ratchet mechanism disposed in a first head of the wrench attached to the first member and a second ratchet mechanism disposed in a second head attached to the second member are identical except for rotational direction enabling to remove the fastener with one end and install the fastener with the other end of the wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: William Hough
  • Publication number: 20060107800
    Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a pair of handles and an implement slidably coupled to the handles. The implement is configured to slide in a linear fashion between a stowed position and a deployed position. A bias mechanism is coupled to the implement such that the bias mechanism biases the implement in the direction of the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Edgar Dallas, Edward Wallace, John Nason, Phillip Montague
  • Publication number: 20060107801
    Abstract: A quick release bit socket assembly includes a socket and a screw bit is removably inserted in a first recess in a first end of the socket. A second recess is defined in a second end of the socket and a passage is in communication between the first and second recesses. A push rod includes a head and a shank which extends through the first recess, the passage and is inserted in the second recess. A spring is mounted to the shank and biased between the head and an inside of the first recess. The screw bit can be quickly pushed out from the second passage by pushing the push rod toward the screw bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Publication number: 20060107802
    Abstract: A quick release bit socket assembly includes a socket and a screw bit is removably inserted in a first recess in a first end of the socket. A second recess is defined in a second end of the socket and a passage is in communication between the first and second recesses. A push rod includes a head and a shank which extends through the first recess, the passage and is inserted in the second recess. A spring is mounted to the shank and biased between the head and an inside of the first recess. The screw bit can be quickly pushed out from the second passage by pushing the push rod toward the screw bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Publication number: 20060107803
    Abstract: A centering device for the guided transfer of bars from a feeder to a lathe, and interposed therebetween aligned with a bar guide with the mandrel of the lathe, comprising: a bush for fixing to a fixing seat and rigidly coupled to a bar opening aligned with the respective bar guide and with the mandrel of the lathe; a tubular body, rigidly coupled to the bush coaxial thereto and provided with a housing seat for a ring with oscillating elements which are pivoted to a respective fixed anchoring element with one end and are retained in mutual contact by elastic elements, delimiting a through opening whose diameter is about as long as the diameter of a bar. The ring and the anchoring element are axially movable within the seat, in contrast to springs toward the lathe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Massimo Ragazzini, Renzo Romagnoli
  • Publication number: 20060107804
    Abstract: Method and safety device for a breaking saw chain, wherein the safety device comprises a protective wall positioned in the vicinity of the drive gear drawing the saw chain in such a manner that it is capable of receiving the movement of the tail of the broken saw chain and to guide said tail in a controlled manner with the rest of the saw chain into the desired direction, wherein at the same time the strong swinging movement of said tail is prevented, and said protective wall is fastened to movable members that are arranged to hold the protective wall in the correct location during sawing in relation to the saw chain whose incoming direction varies during the operation. In particular, the protective device is placed in a sawing apparatus comprising a frame part, a holder for a guide bar, means for driving the saw chain and for performing the sawing, as well as means for moving the protective wall in phase with the guide bar holder, wherein said means are preferably implemented by using the guide bar holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Markku Annala
  • Publication number: 20060107805
    Abstract: Apparatus for trimming paper rolls or logs (2) characterized in that it comprises:—a section for the entry of he logs 82) to be trimmed,—a section for the exit of the trimmed logs (2?);—a station with cutting means (6) for trimming the logs (2);—means (3) for moving the logs (2, 2?) between said entry section, said cutting station and said exit section;—means (4), associated with said log-moving means (3), for retaining the logs when subjected to said movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Fabio Perini
  • Publication number: 20060107806
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cutting compressible cellular polymers such as polyurethane foam, are characterized by a first die roller and a pressure roller, wherein both rollers define raised portions separated by recesses or depressions, and the raised portions on the first die roller register with the recesses of the pressure roller at a nip formed between the rollers. Portions of the polymer material extruded into the spaces between the raised portions of the first die roller are cut away, such that the cut product conforms substantially to the surface geometry of the first die roller, and the depth of cut is greater than with prior rotary cutting methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: FOAMEX L.P.
    Inventor: Jose Contreras
  • Publication number: 20060107807
    Abstract: A rotary anvil is outfitted with pins protruding from the base of an axially extending channel along the surface of the anvil. A cutting mat having a generally elongate body includes first and second locking members projecting from opposite axial ends thereof. The cutting mat is installed on the anvil such that the first and second locking members are positioned within the channel over one of the pins. The cutting mat may include a foot extending from the first locking member that includes a pin receptacle that seats down over the pin. Alternatively, a lockup device may be provided to temporarily secure the cutting mat to the rotary anvil. The lockup device includes a pin receptacle on the bottom surface thereof adapted to seat down over the pin. The first and second locking members of the cutting mat are then installed into the channel in cooperation with the lockup device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: John Elia, Jerry Shelton, Ronnie Bryson
  • Publication number: 20060107808
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing groups of shingled slices comprises a jump conveyor and a slicing machine. The slicing machine includes a slicing blade. The jump conveyor includes a first slice receiving section and a second slice receiving section, the first slice receiving section having a first slice receiving surface, and the second slice receiving section having a second slice receiving surface. The jump conveyor is located adjacent the slicing blade so that the first slice receiving surface receives slices cut by the slicing blade directly. The first slice receiving section is articulated with respect to the second slice receiving section to be articulatingly movable relative to the second slice receiving section to vary the angular orientation of the first slice receiving surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: AEW DELFORD GROUP LIMITED
    Inventor: Alan Culling
  • Publication number: 20060107809
    Abstract: A panel saw is adapted with an improved dust collection system including a protective blade cover having an oversized duct connected to a vacuum-type dust collection apparatus by a hose. The blade cover duct has an angled end configured to deflect and direct sawdust and wood chips downstream into the dust collection hose. A device that functions as both a guide and pulley is mounted to the top of the panel saw frame to allow the dust collection vacuum hose to travel over the frame in trailing relation with the carriage carrying the rotary power saw. The rotary power saw carriage is further adapted with a skirt attached in surrounding relation with the projecting saw blade and projecting therefrom in sweeping contact that defines a sawdust containment volume between the workpiece to be cut and the underside of the rotary saw power carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Powell
  • Publication number: 20060107810
    Abstract: A mitre saw includes a base, a pivot arm assembly pivoted to the base, a saw blade rotatably connected to a motor that is mounted to the pivot arm assembly, an outer dust duct fixedly fastened to the pivot arm assembly and connected to a dust passage, an inner dust duct, which is movably inserted into the outer dust duct and has an inlet kept in proximity to a bottom side of the saw blade and an outlet disposed inside the outer dust duct, and a linkage coupled between the base and the inner dust duct for moving the inner dust duct in and out of the outer dust duct subject to the pivoting motion of the pivot arm assembly relative to the base to keep the inlet of the inner dust duct constantly in proximity to the bottom side of the saw blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: Rexon Industrial Corp., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hung Chiu
  • Publication number: 20060107811
    Abstract: The laminate-cutting method according to the present invention is a method for cutting an optical film wherein layers are laminated through a pressure-sensitive adhesive agent with a cutting edge, wherein the cutting of the laminate with the cutting edge is performed in the state that compressive stress applied to the optical film is decreased when the laminate is cut with the cutting edge. This makes it possible to provide a laminate-cutting method, a cutting device and a laminate-cutting pedestal wherein the generation of the adhesion of paste to a cutting edge, the blocking, cracking, chipping of cut faces, and others is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Tanaka, Toshirou Nishikubo, Kazuo Kitada, Noriaki Hara, Sadaji Sutou
  • Publication number: 20060107812
    Abstract: A blind cut-down apparatus for trimming a blind down to size the blind having at least a head rail component, and blind slats suspended from the head rail, and having a blind holding plate with an opening for holding the components in position for cutting, a slat cutter moveable relative to the holding plate for cutting blind components held in the holding plate, and including a movement device for moving the cutter. Also disclosed is a method of saw cutting ends of blind components in which the blind components are held in a head plate and in which a cutter cuts the components. Also disclosed is a blind cut down machine having a moveable head rail support mounted on a blind holder plate, with a moveable head rail opening in the support, with the support being selectively moveable into and out of position for accommodating various types of head rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Norbert Marocco
  • Publication number: 20060107813
    Abstract: An adjusting device for the angle blocking plate of a planing machine includes a material conveying table having one side provided with a hand wheel. A worm has its outer end connected with the hand wheel and its inner end meshed with the worm gear of a transmission rod that is vertically and axially fitted with a fundamental base. The transmission rod has its upper gear portion extending out of the topside of the fundamental base and meshed with a lengthwise rack secured at the underside of an upper holding frame to be driven to move together. By so designing, the hand wheel can be turned around to quickly and precisely adjust the angle blocking plate to move forward and backward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Bor-Yann Chuang
  • Publication number: 20060107814
    Abstract: A clamping device is provided for clamping one or more workpieces in a pre-determined position in precision cutting apparatus. The clamping device includes a first portion having attachment means provided thereon for allowing attachment of the same directly to a work surface of the apparatus in use, and a second portion which is capable of being engaged with the first portion. The second portion forms at least part of or is associated with clamping means for clamping the one or more workpieces. The vertical and/or horizontal orientation of the clamping device is entirely dependent on the vertical and/or horizontal orientation of the work surface of the precision cutting apparatus to which the clamping device is attached in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Colin Thompson
  • Publication number: 20060107815
    Abstract: A disk cutter including an annular disk-shaped base adapted to be driven about an axis of rotation, a plurality of tip supports formed along the outer circumference of the base integrally therewith so that a gullet is defined between adjacent ones of the tip supports, a plurality of tip inserts respectively fixed to the tip supports, a plurality of outer slits formed at an outer circumferential portion of the base so as to be arranged at given intervals, each of the outer slits having an outer end opening to the gullet, and a plurality of intermediate slit pairs formed at a radially intermediate portion of the base so as to be arranged at the given intervals in such a manner that each of the intermediate slit pairs is located between adjacent ones of the outer slits. Each intermediate slit pair includes a substantially J-shaped first slit and a substantially inverted J-shaped second slit arranged in point symmetrical relationship with the first slit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: TENRYU SEIKYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tanehiko Asada
  • Publication number: 20060107816
    Abstract: A camera assembly for filming the hands of a musician playing a finger board instrument includes a guiding device mounted to the finger board instrument. A stage movably engages the guiding device. A camera is mounted on the stage for filming the hands of the fingerboard user as the hands travel along the finger board. A driving device, such as a linear motor, is connected to the stage for moving the stage along the guiding device. A means for controlling the camera is also provided, either manually from a remote location or by visual tracking. A sensor senses the velocity and position of the stage and outputs a detection signal to the control means. The control means transmits command signals to the driving device for actuating movement of the camera along the guiding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Roman Vinoly, Patrick Deegan, Samuel Hyers
  • Publication number: 20060107817
    Abstract: The marking system for musical instrument reeds uses one or more marks placed (e.g., printed, engraved, embossed, etc.) on the blunt end of a musical instrument reed, opposite the thin, vibratory portion of the reed. These markings indicate the grade or relative stiffness of the reed, i.e., its resistance to vibration when the instrument is played. The markings of the system correspond to the conventional Arabic numeral system used to indicate the grade of reeds, but the present markings are placed upon the blunt end of the reed where they are visible when the reed is installed in the instrument mouthpiece or when the reed is in storage in a typical reed holder. One or more marks are placed toward one side of the blunt end of the reed to represent integers, while a single mark is placed to the opposite side (when required) to indicate half values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Arent Nieuwkamp
  • Publication number: 20060107818
    Abstract: A device is provided for dampening the impact vibration of elongated manual tools that have a handle, such as drumsticks and hammers. The device includes means for dampening the vibration caused when striking tool onto a hard surface, and means for removably joining the dampening means to the end of the tool's handle. Some embodiments further include means for standing off the dampening means from being fully applied onto the end of the tool's handle. In many applications, embodiments of the present dampening device help reduce fatigue and injury due to impact vibrations being transmitting to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Brian Judd
  • Publication number: 20060107819
    Abstract: A video game system comprising a standard drum set having at least one drum set component (30). An electrical pick-up is attached to each component. A game grid (12) is displayed on a display monitor and is electrically resonsive to the electrical pick-up. The game grid being similar to a musical staff with objects, which are moving along the musical staff, that will change appearance when the drum set component is struck at an appropriate moment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Hal Salter
  • Publication number: 20060107820
    Abstract: A processing load at the time of playing back sound data having a loop part is reduced. A sound data encoding apparatus comprises a block dividing means that divides the sound data into blocks according to predetermined rules, and an encoding means that encodes the blocks in groups of a plurality of consecutive blocks. The block dividing means divides the sound data such that, when encoded blocks encoded by the encoding means are decoded to output decoded blocks, then the loop end position in a block that includes the loop end position in the decoded blocks is nearer to an end of the block than a predetermined position. In detail, input delay dummy data are added ahead of the sound data before dividing the sound data. At the time of outputting the encoded data, loop information is outputted also.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Matsuura, Takehiro Tominaga
  • Publication number: 20060107821
    Abstract: Tone quality is improved at the time of playing back sound data having a loop part. A sound data encoding apparatus encodes sound data in groups of a plurality of consecutive blocks. In the case where the sound start position is equal to the loop start position, encoding is performed using samples of sound data (for example, sound data just before the loop end) relating to the sound data at the sound start position from the viewpoint of music. In the case where the sound end position is equal to the loop end position, encoding is performed using samples of sound data (for example, sound data just after the loop start) relating to the sound data at the sound end position from the viewpoint of music.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Matsuura, Takehiro Tominaga
  • Publication number: 20060107822
    Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a hand-held computing device. More particularly, the invention pertains to a computing device that is capable of controlling the speed of the music so as to affect the mood and behavior of the user during an activity such as exercise. By way of example, the speed of the music can be controlled to match the pace of the activity (synching the speed of the music to the activity of the user) or alternatively it can be controlled to drive the pace of the activity (increasing or decreasing the speed of the music to encourage a greater or lower pace). One aspect of the invention relates to adjusting the tempo (or some other attribute) of the music being outputted from the computing device. By way of example, a songs tempo may be increased or decreased before or during playing. Another aspect of the invention relates to selecting music for outputting based on tempo (or some other attribute). For example, the computing device may only play songs having a particular tempo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Adam Bowen
  • Publication number: 20060107823
    Abstract: A “Music Mapper” automatically constructs a set coordinate vectors for use in inferring similarity between various pieces of music. In particular, given a music similarity graph expressed as links between various artists, albums, songs, etc., the Music Mapper applies a recursive embedding process to embed each of the graphs music entries into a multi-dimensional space. This recursive embedding process also embeds new music items added to the music similarity graph without reembedding existing entries so long a convergent embedding solution is achieved. Given this embedding, coordinate vectors are then computed for each of the embedded musical items. The similarity between any two musical items is then determined as either a function of the distance between the two corresponding vectors. In various embodiments, this similarity is then used in constructing music playlists given one or more random or user selected seed songs or in a statistical music clustering process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John Platt, Erin Renshaw, Max Chickering, Cormac Herley
  • Publication number: 20060107824
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes an operating switch and a microphone. A player operates a player object through intuition by the operating switch or inputting a sound. The number of zero crossings contained in waveform of a sound input through the microphone is detected, and also individual interval times between the zero crossings are detected. Then, it is determined whether or not the distribution of the interval times, i.e. the frequency distribution matches the distribution of interval times (frequency distribution) related to a breath sound stored in advance. If there is a match between the two, the input sound is recognized as a breath sound, and a game process based on the breath (wind) is carried out. For example, a game screen depicting the breath or wind is displayed on an LCD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taro Bando, Daiki Iwamoto, Koichi Kawamoto
  • Publication number: 20060107825
    Abstract: An automatic accompaniment apparatus that enables an external electronic musical instrument connected thereto to exhibit its accompaniment information generating capability to the maximum and makes it possible to set tone color data and accompaniment data adapted to the external electronic musical instrument through the automatic accompaniment apparatus. The external electronic musical instrument stores in advance a plurality of tone color data and/or a plurality of accompaniment data and generates accompaniment information based on the selected tone color data and/or accompaniment data. List information on the stored tone color data and/or the accompaniment data is acquired via a control interface that connects to the external electronic musical instrument and carries out transmission and reception of information to and from the external electronic musical instrument, and the acquired list information is presented to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Hiratsuka
  • Publication number: 20060107826
    Abstract: A system and method of enhancing guitar instruction based on Tablature Plus encoding of playing techniques within a MIDI file or other data structure, that may be rendered on an associated player application that provides multimedia output of the piece being played including a number of playing techniques. The system hardware for encoding the information includes string motion monitoring, and optionally a hand motion and finger positioning sensor, such as a data glove or a video motion capture system, for simultaneously registering the actions of the guitarist while playing the piece. The software comprises algorithms for determining note pitch and duration, and for extracting playing techniques from the data being collected. Multimedia player software is also described which renders a visual and audio output for the Tablature Plus encoded file, wherein the encoded playing techniques are represented within the display output. The system is adaptable to instruction for any instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: R. Knapp, Robert Miller, Kevin McFarland
  • Publication number: 20060107827
    Abstract: A fluid pressurization device 10 comprises a pressure container 12 and a first bladder 14, a second bladder 16 and a sheet 18, that are located in the pressure container 12. The bladders 14 and 16 have pipe connectors 32 and 40, respectively, for filling/discharging fluid from the bladders. The bladders 14 and 16 are located in the container 12 adjacent one another, with the bladder 16 being folded in concertina fashion and the sheet 18 being wrapped around the bladder 16 to form a roll surrounding the folded bladder 16. In use, the bladder 14 is filled with a combustible fluid such as oxygen and the bladder 16 is filled with compressed air to a relatively higher pressure than the oxygen in the bladder 14 for pressurizing the oxygen contained therein. As oxygen is delivered from bladder 14, the sheet 18 unravels gradually, allowing the bladder 16 to continue to exert a force on the bladder 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Richards
  • Publication number: 20060107828
    Abstract: A missile launcher comprising a canister for housing a missile and piston based launcher, the piston being arrested in the tube after launch of the missile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Alan Veitch, Anthony Machell, John Winter, Roger Harriss
  • Publication number: 20060107829
    Abstract: A system of active protection system of objects has a central control panel, and at least one unit arrangeable on a protected object and including a target detection device, a protective ammunition connected with the target detection device, a device for moving the target detection device and the protective ammunition device, and a case accommodating the target detection device, the protective ammunition, and the moving out device, so that when the target detection device of the at least one unit detects a target, the ammunition of the at least one unit is moved out of the case and fired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Sergei Shumov, Vasilij Khitryk, Vladimir Medvid, Marina Poyhina
  • Publication number: 20060107830
    Abstract: A mixed matrix membrane for separating gas components from a mixture of gas components is disclosed. The membrane comprises a continuous phase polymer with inorganic porous particles, preferably molecular sieves, interspersed in the polymer. The polymer has a CO2/CH4 selectivity of at least 20 and the porous particles have a mesoporosity of at least 0.1 cc STP/g. The mixed matrix membrane exhibits an increase in permeability of least 30% with any decrease in selectivity being no more than 10% relative to a membrane made of the neat polymer. The porous particles may include, but are not limited to, molecular sieves such as CVX-7 and SSZ-13, and/or other molecular sieves having the required mesoporosity. A method for making the mixed matrix membrane is also described. Further, a method is disclosed for separating gas components from a mixture of gas components using the mixed matrix membrane with mesoporous particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen Miller, Alexander Kuperman, De Vu