Abstract: A Moiré interferometric-based shear-stress sensor includes a substrate support. The substrate includes a first optical grating disposed in or on the substrate, the first grating having a plurality of features defining a first spatial period. A floating element having a second optical grating is disposed in or on the floating element. The second grating has a plurality of features defining a second spatial period. The floating element is suspended over the first grating and flexibly connected to the substrate with compliant springs, wherein the respective gratings are in an optical path with one another. Upon irradiation, the sensor forms a Moiré fringe pattern which relates to a shear-stress induced translation of the floating element.

Abstract: A method for measuring toughness of interfacial adhesion including applying a normal force with a probe to a surface of a coating joined to a major surface of a substrate of an electronic structure, wherein the surface is substantially parallel to the major surface, and applying a lateral force to the coating with the probe by laterally moving a position of the probe relative to the major surface such that the probe forms at least one delaminated region in the coating as the position of the probe moves laterally across the major surface, the delaminated region having a starting point and an ending point. The method further includes measuring a magnitude of the lateral force over time, and determining a toughness of interfacial adhesion between the coating and the major surface based on changes in magnitude of the lateral force as the position of the probe moves from the starting point to ending point.

Abstract: A method for measuring toughness of interfacial adhesion including applying a normal force with a probe to a surface of a coating joined to a major surface of a substrate of a medical device, wherein the surface is substantially parallel to the major surface, and applying a lateral force to the coating with the probe by laterally moving a position of the probe relative to the major surface such that the probe forms at least one delaminated region in the coating as the position of the probe moves laterally across the major surface, the delaminated region having a starting point and an ending point. The method further includes measuring a magnitude of the lateral force over time, and determining a toughness of interfacial adhesion between the coating and the major surface based on changes in magnitude of the lateral force as the position of the probe moves from the starting point to ending point.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for measuring torque of a torque tool by using an indirect structure arranged on one side of the torque tool, in which the apparatus comprises a microstructure part connected with a side surface of the torque tool. The microstructure part further comprises a sensing structure for sensing the strain or displacement generated by a force exerted on the torque tool and converting the strain or displacement into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is then properly calibrated and processed for transforming units by a System-on-Chip (SoC), and converted into the torque value exerted by the user and the value is displayed on a display device.

Abstract: A sensor (47) includes a stator (48) having four or more magnetic pole teeth (48b) and concentric with a stationary-side raceway member (43), and excitation coils (49) and detection coils (50) wound around the respective magnetic pole teeth (48b). Signals generated in the detection coils (50) according to distances between the magnetic pole teeth (48b) and a rotation-side raceway member (44) are taken out for the respective magnetic pole teeth (48b). The load acting on a rolling bearing (41) is obtained in processing means from these signals.

Abstract: A torque measuring apparatus and torque monitoring system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention measures torque of a rotating shaft and is capable of synchronously measuring torque of a plurality of objects.

Abstract: An improved torque sensing arrangement includes a magnetoelastic ring on a rotatable shaft, along with two or more magnetic field sensors. The ring has at least two magnetic bands magnetized in opposite directions to produce at least two magnetic fields. Alternatively, the rotatable shaft could be magnetized into bands, eliminating the need for a magnetoelastic ring. The magnetic field sensors are positioned next to, but not contacting, the bands, and can be used to measure the field strength, which can be converted to torque. The sensors are preferably positioned to either side of the peak axial magnetic field strength areas of the bands, one offset from the center of one band in a first direction and the other offset from the center of the other band in a second direction opposite the first direction, thereby limiting the average change in the reading when the fields move under the shaft.

Abstract: A torque sensor has a torsion bar coaxially in alignment with input and output shafts, a ring shaped magnet fixed to an axial end of the input shaft, a pair of magnetic yokes fixed to an axial end of the output shaft, and a magnetic sensor for detecting magnetic flux density generated between the pair of magnetic yokes. Each of the magnetic yokes is provided with claws, which are circumferentially spaced at constant intervals, and whose number is equal to that of each of N and S poles alternately arranged circumferentially in the magnet. Each, center of the claws coincides with a boundary between immediately adjacent N and S poles of the magnet, when the torsion bar is not twisted. The magnetic sensor is inserted into an axial gap between the pair of magnetic yokes without contacting the magnetic yokes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for sensing a torque applied through a shaft 18. The device comprises a magnetoelastic ring 24 press-fitted onto the shaft 18 and an excitation coil 2 placed in close proximity to the ring 24 at only a point along the circumference of the ring 24. The coil 2 is driven by an oscillator 4 for inducing eddy currents inside the material of the ring 24. A sensing coil 8 is also placed in close proximity to the magnetoelastic ring 24 at only a point along the circumference of the ring 24 for sensing the magnetic field generated by the induced eddy currents inside the ring 24. An electrical circuit senses any change in the magnetoelastic ring's 24 electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability.

Abstract: A handheld apparatus (2) for checking the tension of the wire (15) includes a support (3) with two spaced pegs (5,6) mounted on it. A spring (7) mounted on the support (3) between the two pegs. A strain gauge (14) is mounted on the spring and measures the displacement of the spring (7). A fully portable power supply is connected to a computer (9) with a readout (8). In use, the wire (15) is arranged in a predetermined path over and/or under the pegs (5,6) so that it presses against the spring (7). The amount the spring (7) is displaced, which is related to the tension, is measured by the signal from the strain gauge. The signal is passed to the computer (9), which calculates the tension from this measurement and displays the result on the readout (8).

Abstract: A sensor pad for controlling the deployment of an automobile airbag. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in the seat 54 of an automobile, (not illustrated), to detect the presence of an occupant on the seat. Weight sensing pad 10 is used in conjunction with the vehicle's airbag control module in order to allow deployment of the airbag, in the event of a collision, only if the seat is occupied by a person of a preselected weight. Weight sensing pad 10 is defined by a bladder member 15 having an interior volume subdivided into a plurality of individual cells 42 in fluid communication with each other and that is filled with a non-compressible fluid 18, such as silicon or a silica gel of medium viscosity. A pressure tube 22 is in fluid communication with bladder 15 and is in further fluid communication with a pressure activated electronic transducer 26 which in turn is in electronic communication with the airbag controller 30.

Abstract: A pressure indicating structure comprising (1) a translucent or transparent sheet having opposite first and second major surfaces, reflective structure defining at least a portion of that second surface for reflecting back through the first surface at an observation angle in a predetermined range of observation angles a visually significant amount of the light entering the sheet through its first surface, that reflective structure comprising a multiplicity of peak portions and recessed portions having recessed surface portions of the second surface that define recesses from the peak portions; and (2) a deformable layer comprising pressure sensitive adhesive, the deformable layer having opposite major surfaces with one of those surfaces defined by the pressure sensitive adhesive being along the second surface of the sheet adjacent and over the peak portions of the reflective structure and spaced from the recessed surface portions of the second surface.

Abstract: A formation test tool 10 for obtaining a downhole fluid sample from a formation of interest 30 and returning the sample to the surface of a well includes a cylinder 12 forming a fluid sample chamber therein, and a piston 20 sealingly movable within the cylinder and separating the fluid sample from a cushioning fluid. A fluid line 24 connects the formation of interest to the fluid sample chamber, and a valve 26 controls fluid flow along the fluid line. In one embodiment, a magnet 76 supported on the piston outputs signals indicative of the position of the piston and thus the volume of the fluid sample within the cylinder. A meter 74 is movable along the exterior of the cylinder 12 for determining the position of the magnet within the cylinder, such that the volume of sampled fluid in the cylinder can be determined at the surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting, locating, and quantifying contamination in a fluid flow system like a pipe or duct. This characterization technique uses a conservative and one or more interactive tracers that are injected into the fluid flow system and then monitored at another location in the system. Detection, location, and quantification are accomplished by analysis of the characteristic features of measured curves of tracer concentration.

Abstract: A sensor mat, particularly for vehicle seats in connection with means of restraint, which includes at least one positioning strip that may be snapped onto a fastening means.

Abstract: Method for determining a specific property of a rotating body, including measuring using a measuring method in which the signal obtained is composed of N properties, the property to be determined being contained therein, measuring using at least one other measuring method, in which the signal obtained or the signals obtained is or are composed of only some of the N properties, and determining the specific property from the measured signals obtained.

Abstract: A method for object detection using vehicle-mounted sensors is provided, the sensing ranges of which sensors overlap at least partially. In this context, signals of at least two sensors having sensing ranges with essentially identical coverage, and additional signals of at least one additional sensor having a sensing range which only partially overlaps with the sensing ranges of the at least two sensors, are evaluated. An object is identified as relevant when it is detected by at least two of the sensors.

Abstract: A system for transferring power from a work machine engine to a pump assembly of the work machine includes a power transfer assembly configured to transfer power to the pump assembly independent of transmission gear ratio. The pump assembly is mounted to a rear portion of a transmission of the work machine.

Abstract: The ball screw 1 includes: a screw shaft 2, on the outer circumferential surface of which a spiral screw groove 2a is formed; a nut, on the inner circumferential surface of which a screw groove 3a opposed to the screw shaft 2 is formed; and a plurality of balls 4 arranged in a rolling element rolling passage 6, which is formed between both the screw grooves 2a, 3a, under the condition that the plurality of balls 4 can be freely rolled. The nut 3 is fixed to a side cap 7 for scooping up the rolling balls 4 at one end of the rolling element rolling passage 6 so that the rolling balls 4 can be sent to the other end.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a cermet composition represented by the formula (PQ)(RS) comprising: a ceramic phase (PQ) and a binder phase (RS) wherein, P is a metal selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Mg, Ca, Y, Fe, Mn, Group IV, Group V, Group VI elements, and mixtures thereof, Q is oxide, R is a base metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni Co, Mn and mixtures thereof, S consists essentially of at least one element selected from Cr, Al and Si and at least one reactive wetting element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, Ta, Sc, Y, La, and Ce.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and apparatus for creating metal nanoparticles embedded in a carbonanceous char, the conversion of an carbonaceous char with embedded metallic nanoparticles to graphite-encased nano-sized metal particles surrounded by char, the separation of the graphite encased metal particles from the char matrix, and the related preparation and isolation of carbon nanosphere materials with or without the enclosed metal nanoparticles, and the uses of such carbon nanospheres and graphite enclosed metal nanoparticles as supports and enhancers for fuel cell electrocatalysts and other applications.

Abstract: The present invention is mainly for providing a flake copper powder for a conductive paste with particle properties which are defined by that the particle thickness is thinner being possible for use to form an electrode or a circuit, and a production process thereof. To achieve the object of producing the following particles, each powder particles shape is plastically processed into a flake-shape, wherein the flake copper powder has a cumulative particle diameter D50 of 10 ?m or smaller measured with laser diffraction scattering particle size distribution method. The D10, D50 and D90 measured with the laser diffraction scattering particle size distribution method are illustrative and the SD/D50 value measured by the standard deviation of particle distribution with the laser diffraction scattering particle size distribution, is 0.55 or larger and/or a D90/D10 of 4.5 or smaller.

Abstract: In a chainsaw sharpener, a round shaft-shaped grinding tool (7) is attached to an end of a drive shaft of a handy type electric motor (3). Mounted on and forward of the electric motor of a sharpener body (2) via a mounting portion (9) is a guide body (8) having, formed therein, an upper plate face (80) and wall faces (81a to 81e) which have a substantial X-shape as seen in plan view, extending in two directions, and which are fit into and along an upper part of the saw chain in alignment with a sharpening angle of either a left or right cutter blade (31, 32) of a saw chain (30). Formed at a substantially central surface of the guide body (8) is an exposure portion made of openings (85, 86) which make it possible to watch, from above, the grinding tool (7) and a cutting edge of a cutter blade to be sharpened.

Abstract: A process for making a combination food utensil constructed of materials having different relative hardness, particularly a spoon. Portions of the utensil are constructed of a hard material such as polypropylene to provide structural rigidity and to allow the utensil to easily slide along the bottom of a dish such as bowl or a plate. Outside edges of the utensil and portions of its handle are constructed of a softer material such as Kraton or silicone to provide for comfortable contact with the inside of the mouth and gums. In the preferred embodiment the spoon is provided for use by a baby.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head having an engaging portion for mounting an object and a through hole which includes an engaging inner periphery and a smooth inner periphery, and is closed by a bottom plate with a central hole. A movable member is movably received in the second through hole and includes a driving section and a connection section. An operation portion includes a handle and a mounting portion which has a connection recess so as to be engaged with the connection section of the movable member. The driving section of the movable member is removably engaged with the engaging inner periphery. By moving the movable member relative to the mounting portion, the handle can be selectively rotated freely or co-rotated with the head.

Abstract: This is a fully-rotating open-end wrench with two ratchets that are linked together by a tie-bar so that the ratchets remain in synchronization while they are applying torque against a center circumferentially notched gear. The center gear has an internal hexagonally shaped opening that is used to engage a standard nut or bolt. As the center notched gear turns, one, the other or both of the ratchets are engaged in the notches on the periphery of the gear. A spring loaded plunger keeps pressure on the tie-bar so that torque can be applied in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction against the gear. The direction of rotation of the ratchets can be quickly reversed by putting pressure on the edge of the tie-bar thus forcing the v-shaped protrusion on the tie bar past the v-shaped nose of the spring-loaded plunger.

Abstract: Provided is a ratchet wrench for greatly decreasing the amount of wear at sliding-contact surfaces between a shank and a member which is in contact with the shank. A shank (32) as a rotating member is brought into contact with a friction member (70) formed of a sintered copper alloy, but is kept out of contact with an annular holding portion (20b). By contact of the shank (32) with the friction member (70) formed of a sintered copper alloy, the amount of wear of a sliding-contact surface of the shank (32) with the friction member (70) and that of a sliding-contact surface of the friction member (70) with the shank (32) become extremely smaller than in the prior art. Consequently, it is possible to prevent a lowering of friction of the shank (32) and perform a tightening or loosening work for bolts, etc. stably over a long period.

Abstract: A wrench has a handle, a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw each has a holding face and two sidewalls respectively connected to the holding face at two sides. Each edge between the holding faces and the sidewalls of the first and the second jaws respectively has a guiding portion thereon. The guiding portions are chamfer or fillets. Whereby the distance between the interior sides of the guiding portions, which are connecting to said holding faces, of said first jaw and said second jaw is smaller than the distance between the exterior sides of said guiding portions, which are connecting to said sidewalls, of said first jaw and said second jaw. The guiding portions will enlarge the coupling range of the wrench.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sectionless length adjustment mechanism for the shank of a tool (e.g., screwdriver) and for releasably locking the shank in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the handle. In one embodiment the mechanism comprises a sleeve having a front flared end, a spring anchored in the sleeve, a shell including two opposite bars on its surface, and a nut secured to the sleeve. Pulling the shank forward will move the bars outward forward along the flared end to expand the spring. Pushing the shank rearward will move the bars inward rearward along the flared end to compress the spring. Stopping sliding will lockingly engage the shank. Loosening the nut will move the shell forward and expand the spring until the shank is free to slide with the bars disposed at a mouth of the flared end and disengaged from the shank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single wedge wrench including two jaws, one of which has a zigzag gripping surface. The wrench further includes a wedge having a zigzag gripping surface. The wedge is mounted on an inner surface of the other one of the two jaws by means of a joint member, being slidable along the inner surface. The wrench disclosed can be used for bolts or nuts with various types and sizes, and an operation can be performed as long as a handle of the wrench is returned. The wrench can be manufactured with a simple process in a production line.

Abstract: Self-adjusting pliers include first and second elongated members each having at one end a jaw portion and at the other end a handle portion, with the elongated members pivotally connected at a position intermediate the jaw and handle portions such that upon positioning the jaw portions on a workpiece and squeezing the handle portions toward each other, the jaws adjust to thickness of the workpiece as they grip the workpiece. The pliers further include a ratchet locking mechanism between the handle portions, the locking mechanism adapted to releasably secure the handle portions upon squeezing of the handle portions toward each other and gripping of the workpiece by the jaw portions to prevent the handle portions from moving apart. A cam operated adjustor is connected to the locking mechanism to increase pressure of the jaw portions about the workpiece, after securing, by hand pressure alone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing the cutting portion of the blade of a reciprocating saw to reciprocate along a path that is offset from the axis of reciprocation of the reciprocating saw bar is provided. The blade is made with an offset to move the the cutting portion of the saw blade away from and parallel to the axis of reciprocation of the saw bar. By offsetting the cutting portion of the blade it can be possible to make cuts that are flush with an element of the cutting situation which otherwise precludes the saw body passing through it and limits the usefulness of the saw.

Abstract: The method of forming a through-hole is capable of preventing formation of burrs, improving machining efficiency and reducing machining cost. The method of forming a through-hole in a circular wall of a cylindrical part of a work piece comprises the steps of: setting the work piece to a die; inserting a punch, which is provided to a rod-shaped metal core, into the cylindrical part; and pressing and moving a press pin toward the die together with the punch so as to drive the punch into an inner face of the circular wall and bore the through-hole. The press pin is inserted in the cylindrical part via a guide through-hole, which has been formed in the circular wall of the work piece and which is located on the opposite side of a prescribed position corresponding to the through-hole to be bored, and contacts a surface of the metal core, which is located on the opposite side of the punch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for cutting an elastomeric laminate that may include a layer of reinforcement cords, into a desired length without cutting through the cords. The method includes the step of cutting through the gum portion of the elastomeric composite material at a desired skive angle, and then opening up the skived cut. Next, the cord reinforcement layer is cut without severing the reinforcement cords. An elastomeric composite strip cut to the desired length is produced and has cut ends. One of the cut ends has the gum portion cut at a desired skive angle adjacent an overhang portion of the reinforcement layer. The opposite end of the elastomeric composite segment also has a skived portion to mate with the skived portion of the first cut end, and a gap in the cord ply to mate with the cord overhang of the first end, resulting in a splice. An improved anvil having independently controlled vacuum zones is also provided, as well as improved cutting mechanisms.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to replace a feed reel for feeding a film and to lay and cut a segment of the film. The apparatus includes a work plane, laying device having its own first gripper, a cutter having its own second gripper, and an unwinding assembly associated with the feed reel. The unwinding assembly includes a guide able to keep the end of the film guided during its insertion into the first gripper of the laying means and the cutting means, a third gripper able to be selectively activated during the change-of-reel step, and a tensioner able to keep the segment of film in tension between the feed reel and the first and second grippers and to allow the recovery of the segment of film during the change-of-reel step without needing to rewind the feed reel.

Abstract: A cutter including a base, a holder, a cutter blade portion, and a laser generator. The holder is supported on the base portion in an upright posture. The cutter blade portion supports a moving blade. The cutter blade portion is supported on the holder movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cutter blade portion is moved into the lower position to cut a workpiece supported on the base using the moving blade. The laser generator is attached to the holder or the cutter blade portion in an orientation to direct at least a portion of the laser light onto a position on the workpiece that is directly beneath the cutter blade portion when the cutter blade portion is in the upper position. Alternatively, a holder has a shaft support portion, and a slide shaft is axially slidably supported by the shaft support portion. A front end of the slide shaft has a hinge holder which pivotally supports the cutting blade portion. A laser generator is fixed to a front side of the hinge holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool holding clamp for a multiple change of tools for radial presses, where said presses comprise a plurality of radial jaws (12, 12?) onto which the tools (14) are mounted and where tools and jaws are provided with complementary coupling means, such as radial pins (15) and relative slots (16). The clamp presents centering devices, working together with the radial press to guarantee alignment of said complementary devices when the tools are mounted onto the jaws of the press. A tool holding rack for radial presses also constitutes the object of the invention, and is provided with devices adapted to interacting with the tool holding clamp for positioning the tools onto said clamp in the position of alignment with the jaws of the press.

Abstract: A clamping device (50) is installed on a stand (10) with a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape such that at least one place at a side edge portion of a mother board transported in the stand (10) is clamped. A pair of substrate-cutting devices for cutting the mother substrate, clamped by the clamping device (50), from its upper face and lower face is provided on a scribing device guide body (30). The scribing device guide body (30) is reciprocally movable along one side of the hollow rectangular parallelepiped. The pair of substrate-cutting devices is installed so as to be movable along the direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the scribing device guide body (30). The mother substrate clamped by the clamping device is supported by a substrate-supporting device (20).

Abstract: A vertical crack is generated at a desired position on a brittle material substrate S by making a wheel tip 5a of a glass cutter 5 move while being in contact with the substrate surface by a load which does not allow the wheel tip 5a to damage the surface, using an armature 6 applying an abrupt impact force for generating the vertical crack having a predetermined depth, to the glass cutter 5 moving on the substrate. A scribe line is formed as the vertical crack is urged to extend along a planned scribe line, due to a stress gradient exerted onto the vertical crack and occurring between a compressive stress in an irradiation area on the substrate at which a laser beam is irradiated from a laser beam oscillator 8 and a tensile stress in a cooling area made by a cooling medium released from a cooling nozzle 7.

Abstract: A carrier with attachment apparatus that allows mounting of large drums where the playing surface of the drum is vertically oriented. The mounting consists of three or more connection points where one or more of the connection points is adjustable for vertical and or horizontal locating on the drum, and the remaining connection points stabilize the drum on the carrier. The apparatus further includes fasteners for at least one of the connection points that allow rigid locking of the drum to the carrier. The rigid locking can be easily secured and released without tools. The rigid locking fastener consists of a threaded J or eyebolt and a locking nut that captures and clamps the J or eyebolt.

Abstract: A snare drum stand lock adjustment comprised of two plates containing an inner channel to merely clamp a lever of a connector; both plates being pivoted to each other on one side with an axial pin; one end of the lock adjustment being fastened to a brace of the stand and the other end receiving insertion of a lever from a connector to permit easy and secure operation of the lock adjustment.

Abstract: A main case body of a musical keyboard instrument, which is capable of securing a degree of freedom of design. A case structure comprises a lower front case, a lower rear case, and an upper case. The lower front case has a keyboard unit mounted therein. A bottom part extends in a front-rear direction of the lower front case. A key supporting part is formed such that it rises from the rear of the bottom part of the lower front case and extends in the key arrangement direction, and supports each of the keys of the keyboard unit at a base end of the key. A stopper body is formed such that it rises from the front of the bottom part of the lower front case and extends in the key arrangement direction, and stops a free end of each of the keys of the keyboard unit when the key is operated. A battery case is formed by six battery terminal-associated parts arranged side by side for batteries between the key supporting part and the stopper body.

Abstract: An exterior structure for a keyboard instrument, which is capable of dramatically increasing the variation of producible types of keyboard instruments while suppressing the cost of molds. A lower case includes a front-side lower case LCf and a rear-side lower case LCr disposed rearward of the front-side lower case LCf in a side-by-side fashion. An upper case UC is disposed above the lower case. The front-side lower case LCf is fastened to the upper case UC, and the rear-side lower case LCr is fastened to the upper case UC, whereby the lower case is secured to the upper case UC.

Abstract: Various techniques for synchronizing illumination with an audio signal are disclosed. According to one aspect of the techniques, an audio signal continuously is received and processed one phase or period at a time in an analyzing or detecting unit. From one phase of the audio signal, a set of light controlling parameters are determined from a look-up-table. These light controlling parameters are used to adjust duty cycles of square waves used to drive a plurality of light sources such that the illumination produced is in accordance with the audio signal.

Abstract: A portable musical teaching interface system for purposes of providing the user with the skills necessary to play the piano. The interface system comprising a pair of gloves each having a plurality of finger sleeves adapted to receive the fingers of a user's hands, a display means for providing a virtual representation of the user's hands in relation to said virtual keyboard and a control means in communication with the finger sleeves to provide control signals that. cause the finger sleeves to strike the proper keys on the virtual piano to a programmed sequence of movements which corresponds to a selected piece of music.

Abstract: The present invention is generally comprised of a system of musical notation for playing the piano, organ or keyboard. One version of the invention is a system generally comprised of at least one keyboard diagram that accompanies a musical composition. The keyboard diagram displays the fingering to be used by the player of the piano, organ or keyboard that corresponds to the musical composition. Other versions of the invention generally include articles that are comprised of a keyboard diagram and keyboard diagram attachment means that are used to attach the keyboard diagram to the display medium on which a musical composition is displayed. Other versions of the invention generally comprise a method of using these articles. Other versions generally comprise stamping appliances that may be used to place a facsimile keyboard diagram on the display medium on which the musical composition is displayed. Finally, other versions of the invention generally comprise methods of using these stamping appliances.

Abstract: This apparatus comprises a melody generator (19) known as synthesizer. This synthesizer allows working with a multitude of channels C1, C2, . . . C9 and at least one of these channels is assigned to process vocal signals particularly coming from a microphone (17). The elaborated melody may be sent to different correspondents by using the functionalities of the transmission method for the apparatus, for example, SMS, electronic mail, etc.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a vibration-activated musical toy and methods for operating a vibration-activated musical toy. In one exemplary embodiment, a vibration-activated musical toy is described in which two separate modules are independently moved, shaken, struck, or otherwise manipulated in a particular order and in a particular rhythm to play a song. Related embodiments are also described.

Abstract: In an access controller provided for a musical sound signal generating system, a signal generating section operates when a readout of wave data of one block stored in a working memory is completed in a sound channel, for supplying a next waveform request signal to a CPU, which requests a next block of the wave data for the sound channel. First and second buffer memories are connected between a recording medium and the working memory respectively through first and second buses which are independent from each other. A first transmitting section operates when receiving block specifying information from the CPU, which specifies a block to be read next from the recording medium, for transmitting the wave data of the specified block to either of the first or second buffer memory while reading the specified block of the wave data from the recording medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sound searcher for searching for sound media data of a specific pattern type in a sound reproduction terminal, the sound searcher includes a frequency analysis module for analyzing a frequency band of a sound media data to determine if the sound media data has a higher melody or a lower melody; a tempo analysis module for determining a tempo of the sound media data; a reference information selection module for receiving from the user the specific pattern type of a sound media data which a user want to find and registering the received specific pattern type; and a comparison module for determining if the analyzed frequency band and the determined tempo coincide with those of the registered specific pattern type, and outputting a comparison result.