Abstract: A gear mechanism arrangement includes an axial bearing apparatus and a shaft mounted rotatably in the axial bearing apparatus. The shaft is fixedly coupled to a first mechanical coupling point and a second mechanical coupling point, the first mechanical coupling point configured to engage a gear stage and the second mechanical configured to engage a movement converter. The movement converter is configured to convert between a rotational movement and a longitudinal movement of the gear mechanism arrangement. The axial bearing apparatus is configured to transmit a force which acts axially on the shaft to a stationary part of the gear mechanism apparatus arrangement. The axial bearing apparatus is further configured such that active bearing friction is dependent on a rotational direction of the rotational movement and differs for each of first and second rotational directions of the rotational movement.

Abstract: This invention obviates the need for an end roller in the traditional gear bearing design without giving up the desired bearing functions. The preferred embodiment of the partial gear bearing of the invention includes an upper half, comprising peak partial teeth, and a lower, or bottom, half, comprising valley partial teeth. The upper half also has an integrated roller section between each of the peak partial teeth with a radius equal to the gear pitch radius of the radially outwardly extending peak partial teeth. Conversely, the lower half has an integrated roller section between each of the valley half teeth with a radius also equal to the gear pitch radius of the peak partial teeth. The valley partial teeth extend radially inwardly from its roller section. The peak and valley partial teeth are exactly out of phase with each other, as are the roller sections of the upper and lower halves. Essentially, the end roller bearing of the typical gear bearing has been integrated into the normal gear tooth pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device (1a) for a traction mechanism (2a). The clamping device (1a) is connected via a spring means (11a) to an actuating lever (10a) which can be adjusted between two end positions. The actuating lever (10a) can be adjusted automatically by means of an actuator (18) in conjunction with a controller (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a selector lever arrangement (1) for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle having a selector lever (2) which is pivotable about a pivot axis (a) and has the purpose of generating a selector movement (w), connecting means (3) for transferring the selector movement (w) to the automatic transmission and a connecting arrangement (4) for transmitting the selector movement (w) from the selector lever (2) to the connecting means (3). With the objective of providing a selector lever arrangement (1) which is of compact design, whose connecting means (3) may be arranged at a desired height and which avoids a reversal of the selector movement (w), it is proposed that the connecting arrangement (4) has a planetary gear mechanism (5), the selector lever (2) being connected to the input side of the planetary gear mechanism (5) and the connecting means (3) being connected to the output side of the planetary gear mechanism (5).

Abstract: A blade assembly is connected to a robot arm for transmission of semiconductor chips and includes a blade, a top cover, a bottom cover, and two pivot units each including a pivot arm, a first bearing, and a second bearing. Thus, the positioning flange of the mounting ring of the pivot arm is sandwiched between the first bearing and the second bearing and the inner washer is sandwiched between the inner ring of the first bearing and the inner ring of the second bearing, thereby preventing the first bearing from pressing and jamming the second bearing due to a pressing action of the urging cap, so that the pivot arm is pivotable smoothly and stably.

Abstract: To provide a steering wheel position adjustment device in a steering device comprising a tilt telescopic adjustment mechanism, in which there is almost no change in operation feeling, particularly prior or posterior to telescopic adjustments, and that can maintain good operation feeling. A column housing, through which a column pipe passes and is fixed thereto, is fitted to a fixed bracket so that the column housing can either freely move or be fixed in the axial direction. The column pipe is inserted slidably in an insertion hole of a pivot housing that is fitted to be able to swing freely and be fixed freely to the front of the column housing in the axial direction. An upper shaft is provided, within the column pipe, that moves together with the column pipe in the axial direction. A lower shaft is provided in the pivot housing. The upper shaft transmits rotation to the lower shaft, and the upper shaft and the lower shaft are connected to be able to slide freely relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a support bracket for an exterior handle of a vehicle door for motor vehicles. The support bracket is attached on the inside of the outer skin of vehicle door for mounting the exterior handle which is preferably located in a handle recess of the outer skin of the vehicle door. The support bracket further includes a torsion spring (2). Both longitudinally extending ends (3, 4) of the support bracket include a respective opening (5, 6) for passage of the connecting elements of the exterior handle. Another opening (7) supporting the closing cylinder is arranged following the first opening (6). The side of the support bracket (1) facing the opening (7) optionally includes a support fork for enabling the exterior handle to pivot.

Abstract: A steering interface for a bicycle including a front fork. The steering interface includes a handlebar formed as a separate component and a stem including an attachment portion and a bar-receiving portion. The attachment portion is adapted to engage the front fork to connect the stem to the bicycle. At least a portion of the bar-receiving portion is formed around a portion of the handlebar such that the handlebar and the stem are integrated into a single component.

Abstract: A handlebar assembly including a pair of handgrip portions extending outwardly from a mounting portion and configured for generally vertical, arcuate movement relative to the mounting portion. One or more shock absorbing arrangements may be provided to produce a force tending to resist downward movement of the handgrip portions. Desirably, the handgrip portions are adjustable in height relative to the mounting portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pedal system designed to realize a vehicle output as intended by a driver without a sense of incompatibility and to deliver a vehicle output corresponding to how to depress a pedal, leading to the advantages as achieving easy operation of the pedal system in accordance with the traveling state of a vehicle; indefatigably driving; and improvement of the operational feeling, and also provides a vehicle system provided with such a pedal system. The pedal system realizes the operation with no sense of incompatibility relative to the depression of the pedal by ensuring that a hysteresis is provided in the relationship between the pedal effort and the vehicle output, and a portion of the relationship of a vehicle output or a vehicle output command relative to a pedal effort in a depressing motion or in a releasing motion is represented by making a relationship including a straight line (linear) or a folded line.

Abstract: To enable a pedal system equipped with an actuator to reduce power consumption and put a pedal at an appropriate position when there is no need to operate the pedal. A system state control unit changes pedal position to an end position or original position before deactivating the pedal system. It deactivates the pedal system based on information from a pedal position detection unit, pedal state detection unit, power supply state detection unit, and vehicle motion detection unit and activates the pedal system based on information from a power supply state detection unit. It shifts pedal position toward the original position after activation of the pedal system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical footswitch that includes a base, a pedal, an encoder assembly, a wireless interface, and an internal power generator. The pedal mounts upon the base and pivots. The encoder assembly couples to the pedal. As the pedal pivots, the encoder assembly translates the mechanical signal of the pedal into a control signal based on the pedals position and/or orientation. The wireless interface couples the encoder assembly to receive the control signal. The wireless interface also couples the surgical footswitch to a surgical console operable to control and direct surgical equipment. The wireless interface passes the control signal from the encoder to the surgical console, which then directs the surgical equipment based on the control signal. This wireless interface eliminates the tangle of wires or tethers, which may be a hazard in the surgical theater.

Abstract: A control unit mounting structure capable of being detached without disassembling a casing is provided. The control unit mounting structure includes a casing having a through hole, a connector fitting into the through hole, and an ECU accommodated in the connector and located within the casing. The connector has a flange section in contact with an outer surface of the casing, and the flange section is fixed to the casing.

Abstract: A vehicular drive apparatus includes a case, a first brake having a first friction plate set and a second brake having a second friction plate set wherein the first friction plate set and the second friction plate set are sequentially arranged on a single axis, and a first hydraulic servo arranged to correspond to the first brake and a second hydraulic servo arranged to correspond to the second brake.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device of detecting the presence of slag in a shroud (4) through which molten metal passes from a ladle (2) to a tundish (6). A transmitting coil (20) generates an electromagnetic field. An induced voltage generated at a receiving coil (24) is compared with a defined voltage range. If the induced voltage has a value outside the defined voltage range it is indicative of the presence of slag. The coils (20,24) are arranged in an unmovable manner in relation to the shroud. The invention also relates to a casting plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a metal by a direct oxide reduction process with Ca. A CaCl2-based molten salt containing Ca is held in a reduction chamber 1, a metal oxide is introduced into the molten salt in the reduction chamber 1, and the metal oxide is reduced with the Ca in the molten salt to form said metal. The metal formed in the molten salt is separated from the molten salt in a separation means 2, and the molten salt deprived of the metal is introduced into a chlorination chamber 7 and subjected to chlorination treatment with chlorine gas to eliminate the byproduct CaO in the molten salt. The molten salt after chlorination treatment is introduced into an electrolysis chamber 8 and electrolyzed for the formation of Ca and chlorine from CaCl2, and the thus-formed Ca or Ca-containing molten salt is transferred from the electrolysis chamber 8 to the reduction chamber 1. The chlorine obtained in the electrolysis chamber 8 is used in the chlorination chamber 7.

Abstract: A wear resistant sintered member comprising an Fe base alloy matrix and a hard phase dispersed in the Fe base alloy matrix and having an alloy matrix and hard particles precipitated and dispersed in the alloy matrix. Manganese sulfide particles having particle size of 10 ?m or less are uniformly dispersed in crystal grains of the overall Fe base alloy matrix, and manganese sulfide particles having particle size of 10 ?m or less are dispersed in the alloy matrix of the hard phase.

Abstract: A valve metal powder by is prepared by a particular set of sequential steps that involves the use of precursor having preformed morphology. The method by which the valve metal is prepared includes a stabilization step that results in the valve metal powder having secondary and tertiary structures that each corresponds to the secondary and tertiary structures of the precursor. Also described is a method of producing solid electrolyte capacitors that include the valve metal powder of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal powder product involves: Providing a supply of a precursor metal powder; combining the precursor metal powder with a liquid to form a slurry; feeding the slurry into a pulsating stream of hot gas; and recovering the metal powder product.

Abstract: A tool (10) for facilitating the adjustment of rimless eyewear (100) includes two pivotaby connected arms (12, 14) having distal and proximal ends (16, 18). The distal ends (16, 18) of the arms (12, 14) each has a gripping pad (22, 24) attached thereto. The first gripping pad (22) has a seat formed thereon to accommodate a nut, post (113, 114) or other hardware of the eyewear (100). The tool (10) is used to adjust the eyewear (100) by gripping the lens (102, 104) over and around the interface (113, 114) between the lens (102, 104) and the hardware (106, 108, 110) such that the lens (102, 104) and the interface (113, 114) are securely held in their relative positions to one another. Adjustments to the hardware (106, 108, 110) can be made without damaging the lens (102, 104) or the hardware thereon.

Abstract: A bottle opener is provided for uncapping a bottle of beer, soft drink or other liquid container that has been sealed with a crown cap. The opener is operable using only one hand. The opener can be manipulated using the thumb and one other finger and can be placed into its operative position upon the bottle cap while holding the bottle in the same hand. This has the advantage of allowing, for example, a waiter or an individual with the use of only one hand, to secure the bottle from slipping or tipping over and to lift the bottle from a table before attempting to place the opener in its operative position upon the cap.

Abstract: A cordless screwdriver, having a housing (12, 18) equipped with a handle (14), having an in particular permanently installed rechargeable battery (40), and having a transmission (72), is particularly compact, lightweight, and strong because the transmission (72), embodied in the form of a sun-and-planet gear, is simply inserted into a hollow, cylindrical transmission housing (18) and can be secured in position in it by an axial securing plate (62); the transmission housing (18) is also provided with an internal gearing and serves as the sun gear as well as being integrated into the reinforcing structure of the cordless screwdriver (10).

Abstract: A flat headed, reversible power ratchet of relatively small size which uses integral bosses and apertures in its housing to locate and control the movement of its yoke and driving gears on bosses integral to the housing with the driving gear mounted in a bore within the yoke, which has its pawls and pawl controls within the yoke adjacent the gear, and by utilizing a pair of linkages which pivot about the yoke and about the housing in overlapping arcs to stabilize the position of the directional controls during operations.

Abstract: A ratchet pipe wrench a C-shaped head including two jaws and a ratchet mechanism is received in the head so as to engage with a C-shaped engaging member rotatably engaged with the space between the two jaws of the head. A C-shaped positioning ring is securely engaged with a groove defined in an inside of the two jaws of the head so that only the engaging member is rotatable relative to the head.

Abstract: A torsional force structure of a ratchet device which includes a body having a head portion at an end of the body. The head portion has a space which is composed of a first recess and a second recess. A socket member is fitted in the first recess and having a plurality of teeth. A ratchet member is fitted in the second recess and provided at two ends thereof with two wedge portions configured to be fitted in an angular region between the inner wall of the space and the socket member. When the triggering rod is first adjusted to move the ratchet member to make one of the wedge portions of the ratchet member fit in the angular region and the the socket member is rotated, the wedge portion of the ratchet member will be forced to be tightly fitted in the angular region thereby enabling the socket member to provide a positive rotating force.

Abstract: A chain sprocket wrench includes a handle portion, a bar portion and an elongated flexible sprocket engaging portion. The bar portion extends from the handle portion and includes a tool end section. The elongated flexible sprocket engaging portion has a first end and a second end. The first end of the elongated flexible sprocket engaging portion is fixed to the tool end section. A magnetic part is fixed to the second end of the elongated flexible sprocket engaging portion.

Abstract: A tool adjusts a damper assembly having a pivot arm and an arm fastener. The tool comprises an inner elongate member, an outer elongate member, and bushing collars. The inner member is telescopically received in the outer member. The inner and outer members each comprise a first member end, a second inner member end, and a member axis. The first inner member end comprises a fastener adjuster and the first outer member end comprises a pivot arm adjuster. The bushing collars are cooperatively associated with the first outer member end, the second outer member end, and an outer member surface of the inner member for maintaining the inner and outer member axes in collinear relation for forming a reach axis. The inner and outer members are each rotatable about the reach axis. The fastener adjuster adjusts the arm fastener and the pivot arm adjuster adjusts the pivot arm.

Abstract: A manipulator has a treating portion, a driving portion which are connected by a connecting portion, a first pulley on which a first wire which passes through inside of the connecting portion and is driven by the driving portion is hung for rotation, and a main shaft portion which rotatably supports the treating portion around a main shaft along a direction different from a first rotor axis that the first pulley rotates, one end portion of which is fixed to the first pulley.

Abstract: A machine tool assembly includes a high speed rotating spindle for forming extremely precise surface contours on a work piece. The spindle is supported on a spherical air bearing about its center of gravity. The spindle can be rotated through an air turbine drive system incorporated into the spherical air bearing to eliminate any undesirable moments about an axis perpendicular to the long spindle axis. The spindle is adjustable in pitch and yaw directions through the influence of X-Y actuators. The X-Y actuation system is preferably electromagnetic and provides a non-contact method of displacing the spindle shaft in a controlled manner at any speed.

Abstract: To provide a machine tool in which supporting stiffness of a tool post is increased, thereby enabling improvement in machining accuracy. When seen in a Z-axis direction, a tool post 5 includes: a supporting member 30 having a pair of left and right leg parts 30a, 30a and an upper beam part 30b coupling at least upper ends of the both leg parts 30a with each other; and a turret 31 to whose outer circumferential portion a plurality of tools are attached. The supporting member 30 is supported to be movable in a Z-axis direction between a first and a second spindle headstock 3, 4, and the turret 31 is supported to be movable in an X-axis direction by turret guide rails 33, 33 which are disposed on front faces of the left and right leg parts 30a, 30a.

Abstract: The tool support comprises a basic structure (8;108) on which a slide (5;105) is movable in a controlled manner transversely to the spindle axis (7;107), two tool holders (6) being mounted on said slide (5;105) which are displaceable parallel to each other and serving to hold different tools (9,9?;109,109?), said holders (6,6?;107,107?) being selectively displaceable in the direction of the spindle axis (7;107) or away from that axis through an angle of 90° with respect to the direction of movement of the slide (5;105), and further comprising driving means (1,2,3,3?;100,102,106,106?,103) to displace the slide (5;105) and the tool holders (6,6?;107,107?) along their axis of movement (Y,Z) into a predetermined working position.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of its use, for slicing food products, particularly elongated food products, in which the apparatus has a housing enclosing a rotatable slicing blade, and a sleeve which is mounted in a housing sidewall. The sleeve provides a passageway through which a food product passes and receives a treatment along its outer surface. Other additional and/or alternative features for enhancing or sustaining the cleanliness within the slicing housing also are provided, which include use of overpressure within the housing interior, introduction of HEPA-filtered gas or air therein, delivery of an antimicrobial agent therein, and/or providing interior housing wall surfaces having a surface finish (RMS) not exceeding 32 microinches. The slicing apparatus, and its method of operation, provides reliable, accurate continuous slicing capability while requiring less cleaning.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for a ceramic green sheet according to the present invention is a cutting apparatus for a ceramic green sheet for cutting a ceramic green sheet held on a carrier film into a square-shaped sheet piece, and comprises four roller cutters, each of which is disposed so as to correspond to each edge of the sheet piece, and moving means for moving the roller cutters along the corresponding edges of the sheet piece. In this cutting apparatus, the four edges of the sheet piece are cut by the roller cutters, thus cutting failures on the ceramic green sheet are significantly prevented. Furthermore, each of the edges of the sheet piece is cut without changing the position of the cutters, thus improvement of cutting dimensional accuracy is realized, compared to the conventional apparatus in which the position of the cutter is changed when cutting each edge.

Abstract: A method of optimizing processing of successive workpieces through cutting machines, includes the steps of determining and optimizing a first cut pattern for a preceding workpiece infeeding into an active cutting device, determining and optimizing a second cut pattern for a succeeding workpiece succeeding the preceding workpiece infeeding into the cutting device, synchronizing the preceding workpiece with the active cutting device such that the active cutting device is pre-positioned to achieve an optimized first cut pattern of the preceding workpiece prior to the preceding workpiece engaging the active cutting device, processing through the cutting device the preceding workpiece according to the first cut pattern; adjusting an infeed gap between the preceding workpiece and the succeeding workpiece so that the active cutting device has sufficient time to pre-position to achieve the optimized second cut pattern of the succeeding workpiece prior to the active cutting device engaging the succeeding workpiece.

Abstract: A device for cutting a web with at least two cutting members for cutting/cross-cutting the web in the cross-direction and producing a cross-cut. The cutting members having a common actuator which moves the cutting members in directions apposite to each other in the cross-direction of the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a work piece is provided that includes a base frame with four upwardly extending supports defining a workflow path there between. A framework may be mounted to the base frame for supporting a rotatable carriage above the workflow path. A pair of parallel guide rails may be mounted to the rotatable carriage with a power saw movably mounted to the pair of parallel guide rails. A controller may be programmed for independently controlling rotation of the rotatable carriage and translation of the power saw along the pair of parallel guide rails to cut a work piece in a cutting zone area. The controller may be further programmed to control the vertical displacement of the power saw. A pair of opposing roller carriages may be movably mounted to hold a work piece in the cutting zone area. The controller may be programmed to simultaneously move the opposing roller carriages in response to rotation of the rotatable carriage.

Abstract: A work table including a base forming a slot on a top surface of the base. A rotatable cutting blade is mounted to the base, with at least a portion of the cutting blade extending through the slot. A motor is housed within the base and in operational communication with the cutting blade effective to rotate the cutting blade. A guide element is positioned with respect to the top surface and a support surface is movable in a cutting direction along a length of the guide element and with respect to the cutting blade. The support surface has a work area for supporting a work piece and forms a passage aligned with the cutting blade.

Abstract: A saw blade adjustment structure used in a table saw for correcting the position of a saw blade of a saw unit includes a supporting member provided below the bottom side of the table of the table saw to support the saw unit of the table saw, and an adjustment device, which includes a driven member connected to the supporting member and a rotating member that has an eccentric portion for moving the driven member to correct the position of the saw blade upon rotation of the rotating member by an external rotary driving force.

Abstract: Throat plates for table saws and table saws including the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, the throat plates and/or saws include at least one securement mechanism adapted to secure and prevent inadvertent removal of the throat plate from the throat of the saw. In some embodiments, at least one of the securement mechanisms also provides a height adjustment mechanism and/or prevents vertical removal of the throat plate. In some embodiments, the throat plate includes an accessory mounting port that provides a portal for accessories, including safety accessories, to extend through the plate from beneath the table of the saw. In some embodiments, the port extends from the plate's outer perimeter to divide the plate's rear end portion into a pair of spaced-apart members. In some embodiments, these members are independently secured to the table saw and retained apart from each other by one or more of the securement mechanisms.

Abstract: This invention reveals a crank roller paper cutting device, which comprises a base, a supporter, a handle part, a master roller, a slave roller, and a group of speed-reducing gears. Via the group of speed-reducing gears, handle part correlates to the master roller and slave roller at one terminal, both of the master roller and slave roller are captured by the open bores therewith on the supporter. While the other ends of master roller and slave roller are suspended in the air, where a removable positioning block is attached. Upon the above said positioning block, there are two open bores or blink holes in correspondence to the master roller and slave roller respectively. Around the master roller and slave roller are many removable regulating cylinders, or one regulating cylinder in different thickness. This crank roller paper cutting device is reasonable in design, easy to use and safe in operation for a wide range of applications, particularly valuable for kindergarten enlightenment education.

Abstract: A cutting system that includes a rotary blade cartridge that can be interchangeably used with a variety of cutting tools is disclosed. The cartridge houses a rotary blade assembly that is maintained in a secure and safe retracted state and that can be activated when the cartridge is inserted into a cutting tool. Activating a plunger of any of the cutting tools causes a piston of the rotary blade assembly to move the blade to an operative cutting position protruding from an aperture provided in the cartridge housing. Deactivating the plunger causes the blade to be return to its retracted and inoperative position within the housing. Cutting tools of the invention include rail cutters such as a primary workstation and a compact workstation, circle cutters, elliptical cutters, and freeform cutters. Each cutting tool is capable of receiving a rotary blade cartridge. Cartridges are freely interchangeable between the cutting tools.

Abstract: A flexible track conveyor apparatus for cutting a surface of concrete, particularly, green concrete. The apparatus includes a frame with first and second track conveyors disposed at opposed lateral sides thereof and with a blade mount for mounting a rotatable cutting blade disposed between the first and second track conveyors. The apparatus may also include conventional features such as a motor and a handle.

Abstract: A knife holder for a microtome has a plate arranged pivotably on its base member, which, in its functional position, covers the cutting edge of the knife and is spaced apart from the cutting plane towards the side of the knife holder remote from the specimen. The plate is also spaced apart from the knife holder on the side of the cutting edge of the knife. The plate precludes gripping of the cutting edge of the knife and a pivoting mechanism for the plate is coupled to a switch. When the plate is pivoted out of the functional position, the motor drive of the cutting movement is locked, or a brake precludes any movement of the knife slide or specimen slide. The plate preferably consists of a transparent material to permit observation of section removal in the functional position.

Abstract: A punch for use in molding a workpiece with lubricating oil interposed between the punch and the workpiece includes a straight portion at its end and a diameter-increasing portion. The straight portion includes an end face at its end and a side face. The straight portion extends in an axial direction. The end surface extends in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The side surface is connected to the end surface. The diameter-increasing portion is connected to the straight portion. The diameter-increasing portion includes a width in the radial direction, which is identical to that of the straight portion, at a junction between the straight portion and the diameter-increasing portion. The width of the diameter-increasing portion in the radial direction increases with distance from the straight portion. At least one of the end surface and the side surface of the straight portion is formed with a pit.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling actuators in a mechanical reproducing piano or other instrument. In one implementation, a single finite state machine is provided to control all the actuators. The finite state machine may be or include a shift register or a toggle register, which increases the operating speed. When a note is to be played, the desired dynamic is mapped into a start vector and a stop vector. The actuator is turned on when the state of the finite state machine is equal to the start vector, and is turned off when the state of the finite state machine is equal to the stop vector. Furthermore, the period of the finite state machine is adjusted to be directly proportional to the supply voltage. This allows notes to be played at the desired dynamics even when the supply voltage fluctuates.

Abstract: A musical instrument piston valve receivable in a valve casing. The valve includes a valve stem, a valve barrel connected to the valve stem, and a valve guide slidably disposed with respect to the valve barrel. A spring is disposed in the valve barrel extending between the valve stem and the valve guide. A piston extends from the valve barrel and includes one or more ports. There are also various ways of adjusting the angular orientation of the piston in the valve casing. It is preferred that the piston and the valve barrel are monolithic in construction and the piston valve includes an adjustable valve guide.

Abstract: In the specification and drawing, a coupling is described and shown connecting a snare to a snare drum, the snare drum having a drum wall with a top edge and a bottom edge. The coupling connects a male section to a female section. The male section and female section interoperate in a vertical location between top edge and bottom edge of the snare drum wall. One of either the female section or male section is fixed to the drum wall in a radial direction and tangential direction. The other is fixed to said snare.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus that can be manufactured with a simple process at a low cost while still providing the feeling and appearance of high quality. In one embodiment of the invention, side surfaces of the white keys in the keyboard apparatus comprises a grained portion with a wood grain pattern. In this embodiment, when a white key is pressed down, the grained portion is visible from the side to give the appearance that the white keys are made from wood with a layer of white resin on the top and front surface. In another embodiment of the invention, a lower surface of a front end portion of the white keys is packed with a material such as resin. With this embodiment, when a performer's fingernail hits the top surface of the white keys while using the keyboard apparatus, the production of an unpleasant sound can be avoided.

Abstract: A guitar has a wrench tremolo bar thereon, replacing the standard tremolo bar, with the wrench tremolo bar having a desired wrench on at least one end of the wrench tremolo bar, to cooperate with the string fasteners on the guitar, which greatly facilitates tuning, changing or replacing of a guitar string.

Abstract: In a content data reproducing apparatus having a temporary memory for stream reproduction, a content data acquisition section acquires content data from an external content provision server. A storage control section temporarily stores the content data acquired by the content data acquisition section in the temporary memory such that the stored content data should be erased from the temporary memory when a power supply is turned off. A reproduction condition acquisition section acquires reproduction condition data which defines a reproduction condition for reproducing the content data. A reproduction section reproduces the content data read from the temporary memory.