Abstract: A gravity gradiometer having quadrupole responders in which a mass quadrupole is supported by a torsional spring forming a flexure allowing rotation of the mass quadrupole about its center of mass. The flexure can be a pair of spaced apart posts. The flexure can be made from glassy metal having at room temperature a high elastic limit, high stiffness, high strength and low internal damping. The flexure can alternatively be a web made of glassy metal.

Abstract: An acoustic wave device can be used in a passive sensor when an interrogation signal is inductively coupled into the sensor. The advantage of inductive coupling is that the interrogation signal can power the sensor. The acoustic wave device can be sensitive to environmental factors, such as pressure, temperature, or chemicals. An environmental factor can cause a change in the acoustic wave device resulting in changing the sensor's fundamental frequency. An interrogation circuit containing a grid dip oscillator can produce the interrogation signal, detect the sensor's fundamental frequency, and thereby produce a measurement of the environmental factor.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a structure having a coating on at least one surface is provided. The system includes at least one ultrasonic sensor positioned proximate to the structure. Each sensor is capable of transmitting a shear wave toward the structure and receiving return signals in response thereto, wherein the shear wave comprises at least one of a reference beam and an interrogating beam. The system further includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensor for generating information indicative of the coating based on at least one return signal associated with the reference beam.

Abstract: A vibration measuring and monitoring system (100) for an object (20) includes a laser unit (11), a laser sensor unit (12), and a processor (15). The laser unit is used for emitting a laser beam (13). The laser sensor unit is used for receiving the laser beam, and the laser sensor detects a light intensity signal of the laser beam. The processor is used for processing the light intensity signal of the laser beam. The object is partially disposed between the laser unit and the laser sensor unit. The laser beam crosses the object and is received by the laser sensor unit. The processor obtains a vibration signal by processing the light intensity signal.

Abstract: A method of error compensation for measurements taken using a co-ordinate positioning apparatus comprising an articulating probe head having a surface detecting device. The surface detecting device is rotated about at least one axis of the articulating probe head during measurement. The method comprises the steps of: determining the stiffness of the whole or part of the apparatus; determining one or more factors which relate to the load applied by the articulating probe head at any particular instant, and determining the measurement error at the surface sensing device caused by the load.

Abstract: A virtual soft tissue control system that provides enhanced motion control to a prosthetic simulator machine. The prosthetic simulator provides a non-human environment in which to evaluate new and existing prosthetic devices, particularly implantable prosthetic devices, through accelerated life testing. The control system advantageously adds a “virtual soft tissue” control scheme to a conventional control system, such as a digital proportional integral derivative (PID) controller, to algorithmically model the soft tissue constraints that would be encountered by the prosthesis within the human body, and account for these forces in driving the simulator. In another aspect, a prosthetic simulator comprises a prosthetic drive mechanism; a feedback control system that drives the prosthetic drive mechanism; and an iterative learning control system that determines an error from a previous iteration of motion of the drive mechanism and uses the error to determine a drive signal for a subsequent iteration of motion.

Abstract: A force control system (480) for actuation of a test object includes a force actuator (484) that is coupled to and applies a force on the test object. A velocity signal generator (482) is in a feedforward configuration relative to the force actuator (484) and generates a velocity signal (503) that is indicative of the velocity of the test object. A controller (482) is coupled to the force actuator (484) and to the velocity signal generator (482) and generates a desired applied force signal (546) in response to the velocity signal (503).

Abstract: Detection accuracy of a sensor is improved by reducing an influence of an exogenous noise. Acceleration acting on an object is detected based on a change of posture of a mass part supported by a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate is fixed at a frame and the mass part is fixed by soldering at the center thereof. When a force such as acceleration acts on the mass part, the posture of the mass part changes and the flexible substrate also becomes deformed. The change of posture of the mass part and the deformation of the flexible substrate are detected based on the amount of change of a circuit constant of a piezoresistive element as a detecting element provided at a beam part. A signal processing circuit for processing a signal detected by the detecting element is formed on an IC chip, by which the mass part is configured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting synchronous errors of high-lift surfaces such as landing flaps or slats on aircraft, comprising an optical conductor which is laid over at least two adjacent high-lift surfaces, a light source and an optical receiver which are allocated to different ends of the optical conductor, as well as an evaluation unit for determining a synchronous error of the high-lift surfaces on the basis of the light signal received from the optical receiver.

Abstract: A force control system (50, 300) for actuation of a test object (54, 304) includes a force actuator (52, 356) that is coupled to and applies a force on the test object (54, 304). A velocity signal generator (124, 310) is in a feedback configuration relative to the force actuator and generates a velocity signal (150, 324) that is indicative of the velocity of the test object (54, 304). A controller (62, 302) is coupled to the force actuator (52, 356) and to the velocity signal generator (124, 310) and generates a desired applied force signal (130, 380) in response to the velocity signal (150, 324).

Abstract: A gas monitoring system that comprises a sensor, a first valve, and a second valve. The sensor is disposed within a sensor housing that has an inlet and an outlet. The sensor generates a signal based on a characteristic of a gas within the housing. The first valve is disposed at the inlet. The second valve is disposed at the outlet. The first valve and the second valve open and close based on an orientation of the sensor housing.

Abstract: An electronic torque wrench for engaging a workpiece includes a wrench body having a first end and a second end. A wrench head is disposed on the first end of the wrench body and is configured to engage the workpiece. A grip handle is disposed on the second end of the wrench head. A user interface is carried by the wrench body and includes a housing, a digital display, and an input device for inputting a preset torque value. A torque sensing element is carried by the wrench head and is electrically connected to the display device. A detent extends outwardly from one of the wrench body, the wrench head, and the user interface and a plurality of recesses is formed in another of the wrench body, the wrench head, and the user interface, each of the recesses being configured to releasably receive the detent. The display device is rotatable relative to the wrench head so that the detent is received by one of the recesses for retaining the display device in a desired angular position with regard to the wrench head.

Abstract: A load sensing bearing assembly comprises a bearing outer race secured to an application structure by a flange assembly incorporating a plurality of anisotropic spring regions which enable a limited range of displacement and/or rotation of the bearing outer race relative to the application structure in response to applied forces or moments. A set of sensor modules disposed through the bearing outer race and flange assembly acquire measurements from which the radial forces, thrust forces, and tilting moments exerted on the bearing outer race can be determined.

Abstract: A device and method for the non-contact measurement of dynamic torsion in a rotating shaft using magnetostrictive sensors (MsS). The monitoring and detection system have specially configured magnetostrictive signal detectors that include inductive pickup coils, in which signals corresponding to localized shaft torques are induced. The non-contact method for measuring dynamic torques includes fixing a ferromagnetic strip to a ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic shaft and inducing a circumferential residual magnetization therein. An MsS in the form of either an encircling coil positioned around the shaft on a cylindrical substrate, or a partially encircling coil positioned on a flexible substrate and wrapped partially about the shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides an electric power steering system which is adapted to enhance the versatility of a detector coil including lead pins and which may be manufactured at low costs. The electric power steering system PS of the invention has an arrangement wherein lead pins 11 of a detector coil 6 and a control board 30 constituting a control unit 10 are interconnected via a wire harness 13. The lead pin 11 and the wire harness 13 are interconnected via a conductive sleeve terminal 14. The sleeve terminal 14 includes: a cylindrical sleeve portion 40 fitted about the lead pin 11; and a connection portion 41 connected with the wire harness 13 and upstanding from an outside periphery of the sleeve portion 40.

Abstract: A force-sensing device has a yoke having a location of force introduction for a force to be measured acting in a predetermined direction. A measuring spring has a first end rigidly connected to the yoke and is elastically deformable by the force to be measured. The measuring spring has a second end arranged on a support rigidly connectable to a machine frame. First predetermined measuring locations are provided that detect and evaluate a deformation of the measuring spring caused by the force to be measured. Parallel and spaced apart bending springs are connected to the yoke in such a way that the yoke is always guided in parallel in a transverse direction that is transverse to the predetermined direction of the force to be measured. Second predetermined measuring locations are provided on the bending springs and detect a transverse deformation caused by a force in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A wafer-measuring fixture suitable for carrying a broken wafer is described. The wafer-measuring fixture comprises a base having a carrying component. The carrying component is used to hold the broken wafer. Furthermore, a plurality of scale marks is set around the carrying component to mark the broken positions on the wafer.

Abstract: An inspection system configured for “no-blow” use in a pressurized gas pipeline includes a push rod wound around a spool for convenient deployment and portability. A camera disposed on one end of the push rod is configured to relay images back to a monitor. A motor is configured for remote actuation by an operator, and provides for self-propelled movement of the camera in the pipeline. An entry tube is configured for sealed entry into the pipeline to facilitate entry of the camera and push rod. A guide shoe at the end of the entry tube provides a smooth transition-for the camera and push rod as it leaves the entry tube and enters the pipeline. An automatically deployable and retractable positioning system is used to keep the camera away from an interior surface of the pipeline, and in the case of smaller pipelines, centers the camera within the pipeline.

Abstract: A high-temperature seal having in-situ integrity monitoring capability includes a quantity of dielectric material sealing an interface between adjacent structures and an electrical transmission line embedded within the dielectric material. A signal injection port is provided for exciting the transmission line with an excitation signal. One or more sample ports are provided for sampling the transmission line to obtain signal samples resulting from the excitation signal. The sample port(s) are adapted for connection to a signal analyzer adapted to analyze the signal samples for indications of seal integrity problems. Using a technique such as time domain reflectometry or frequency response analysis, the transmission line can be monitored for changes in characteristic impedance due to changes in seal dielectric constant and/or disruption of the transmission line.

Abstract: An arrangement for moving a measuring head of a measuring device into and out of a process space. The arrangement comprises: a valve member to be attached to a wall of the process space; a measuring device to be attached to the valve member, the measuring device comprising a body part provided with an elongated portion which in turn has a measuring head at one end thereof; and a placement device arranged to seize the measuring device and to move it through the valve member into a first position in which the measuring head extends into the process space and, correspondingly, into a second position in which the measuring head is not in contact with the process space. The placement device comprises a stop element configured to seize the measuring device and to form a sealed casing around the body part of the measuring device, and a housing part arranged to attach to the valve member and to form a sealed casing around the stop element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spindle nut which, as part of a drive device, is connected to a tube, wherein the spindle nut has a substantially cylindrical shoulder in which at least two recesses are cut out, wherein a tube is pushed over the cylindrical shoulder of the spindle nut and wherein the tube is deformed toward the recess in the region of the recesses such that the deformed regions contact the walls of the recess.

Abstract: A method for controlling gear shifts in a multiple speed power transmission for a vehicle that includes a first clutch for transmitting power through a first power path producing a reverse gear, and a second clutch for transmitting power through a second power path producing a forward gear. The method includes selecting a reverse range in which the transmission is to operate, preparing the transmission to transmit power alternately through the first power path and second power path; engaging the first clutch and transmitting power through the first power path in the reverse gear, selecting a forward range in which the transmission is to operate, disengaging the first clutch and engaging the second clutch, and transmitting power through the second power path in the forward gear.

Abstract: In a crankshaft of an in-line four-cylinder engine, an arm that is closest to a flywheel has a greater average thickness in a direction of the rotation axis of the crankshaft than those of other arms. Two of the arms that are coupled to both sides of the third journal from the flywheel each have a center of gravity closer to its own counterweight compared to the centers of gravity of the arms that face the two arms with corresponding crankpins in between. Accordingly, the rigidity against torsional deformation and the thickness of oil films on the journals are reliably maintained while suppressing increase in the weight of the entire crankshaft.

Abstract: A differential gear structure includes a connecting pipe disposed to a transmission shaft, a chamber in the connecting pipe containing first friction plates to accommodate a passive shaft, second friction plates secured to the passive shaft, a blocking seat to hold against the first and the second friction plates for both the transmission shaft and the passive shaft to operate, and a level to move the blocking seat to separate the first and the second friction plates for creating different speeds.

Abstract: The invention discloses a Ni— or Co-based superalloy powder enriched with at least one fusing element: B, such that each grain of powder includes said at least one fusing element distributed among the other elements of the superalloy. A powder of this kind already has the requisite final composition, both in terms of constituent elements of the superalloy and in terms of fusing element(s). In particular, the proportion of B and, optionally, Si is adapted for use of the powder without a preliminary step of mixing with another powder. Use of this powder to fabricate components, in particular plates, by sintering, or mixed with a cement, or as a constituent of a mixture for injection molding of metallic powders.

Abstract: For use with an electric steelmaking furnace, a briquette is provided which incorporates a suitable binder, a first quantity of carbon fines, and a second quantity of a material in powdered form, the latter material being selected from the group consisiting of lime, dolime, limestone, dolomite, magnesia, magnesium carbonate, other suitable carbonates, and mixtures thereof. The second quantity being large enough to suppress the slippery nature of the carbon fines, and to density the briquette to the extent necessary to cause it to sink into the furnace melt.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to manufacture the SnZnNiCu solder powder through liquid quenching atomizing method, and an atomizing temperature is not less than 500° C., in particular, not less than 900° C. The raw material metal used as raw material of the solder powder comprises 3 to 12% by weight of Zn, 1.0 to 15% by weight of the sum of Cu and Ni, and Sn and inevitable impurities for the rest, to the total amount of raw material. Thereby, high joint strength is achieved and the SnZnNiCu solder powder which can improve joint reliability of solder joint part is provided.

Abstract: An example embodiment of a method for making gold nanoparticles includes steps of reacting a gold salt with a phosphino amino acid. Example phosphino amino acids include trimers, with a particular example being a trimeric amino acid conjugate containing one phosphino group. In an example method of the invention, the gold nanoparticles may be produced in timer periods of less than about 3 minutes, and at temperatures of less than about 30° C. Other methods of the invention are directed to methods for stabilizing gold nanoparticles, and to methods for making gold nanochains.

Abstract: A method for discharging a reduced product produced on a movable hearth of a movable-hearth furnace uses a discharging device. The discharging device includes a removal unit for removing the reduced product from the movable hearth, a separation unit for separating the reduced product from a solid reductant, a leaving-returning unit for either leaving substances other than the reduced product on a solid reductant layer or returning the substances onto the solid reductant layer, and a discharge unit for discharging the reduced product to the outside of the movable-hearth furnace.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thin die adapted to be used in a press and a die press system utilizing the thin die and a die press, such as a platen die press or a roller die press. The die disclosed herein includes a base or backing portion that provides rigidity to the die assembly. The base includes an indentation defining a border around the peripheral edge of the base. A thin die is housed in the indentation of the base. The thin die is positioned in the indentation and adhered using an adhesive, such that the raised portions of the thin die are facing away from the indentation in the base. Ejection foam is adhered to the raised portion side of the thin die by an adhesive so that the ejection foam protects the raised portion of the thin die and ejects a cut shape out of the sheet material.

Abstract: Cork-screw with double propping lever, with an adjacent extraction cork-screw, in which the double propping lever presents a first base lever hinged which one end to the handle of the tool, and a second extension lever for the propping hinged at the end of said first base lever, whereby said second extension lever for the propping presents two propping support teeth, one support teeth at the end and one support teeth close to its articulation to the print base lever.

Abstract: A clip or hook affixed to a tool, in particular a hook affixed directly to a hammer for supporting the hammer in a desired location or position such as on a belt loop, a waist band or a lip of a pocket of the users clothing. The hook or clip is affixed to the hammer in a specific position and orientation which does not interfere with the ordinary use of the hammer, permits placement and retention of the hammer within easy reach of the user, and facilitates acquisition of the hammer when needed by the user.

Abstract: Deadblow hammers capable of minimizing or eliminating recoils when the hammers impact their targets are discussed which have easy access anti-recoil chambers and which have open sockets for receiving handles that extend the length of the hammerhead body. These hammers incorporate filler materials, which function to negate the effects of the hammer recoils, with improved filling port(s) for filling the filler materials. Golf clubs with anti-recoil chamber and insert elements are also discussed.

Abstract: A nail driving tool of extended length for use with a standard carpenters hammer having no moving parts is disclosed for the purpose of placing nails in difficult to access places. Tool provides means on a first planar surface for magnetically retaining and holding a plurality of nail types and sizes in proper alignment for positioning. And, a second planar surface at opposite end of extended nail driving tool arranged to further drive said nails to maximum depth.

Abstract: A blade for a roofing tool, the tool used to remove material off a roof. The blade has a generally quadratic shape with front and rear edges joined by sides, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The bottom surface has a front section and a rear section, the front section extending rearwardly from the front edge of the blade while angling slightly away from the top surface, and the rear section extending forwardly from the back edge of the blade while angling slightly away from the top surface. The front and rear sections join to define a ridge located generally midway between the front and back edges of the blade, the ridge extending across the blade and parallel to the front edge. The blade can be rocked about the ridge to rest on either the back or front bottom section. When rocked back to rest on its back section, it can lever a roofing fastener up with its front edge.

Abstract: A blade for a lifting tool, the tool used to remove material off a support surface. The blade has a generally quadratic shape with front and rear edges joined by sides, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The bottom surface has a front section and a rear section, the front section extending rearwardly from the front edge of the blade while angling slightly away from the top surface, and the rear section extending forwardly from the back edge of the blade while angling slightly away from the top surface. The front and rear sections join to define a ridge located generally midway between the front and back edges of the blade, the ridge extending across the blade and parallel to the front edge. The blade can be rocked about the ridge to rest on either of the back or front bottom sections. When rocked forward to rest on its front bottom section, it can easily be slid under material on a support surface.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench as in FIG. 1 whereas the wrench 3 become a chain wrench and has a hole through the handle 5 for a chain shackle 4 and the Movable jaw member 2 has a pointed tooth 6 and radiused surfaces 7 on the inclined location. The jaw 2 tongue 8 has a recess 9 for a clock spring 10 its ends being fixed by holes 16 to both the movable jaw tongue 8 and the Handle 3 this spring 10 is preloaded so that the movable Jaw 2 forces towards the gripping surface on handle 3, the coiled portion of the spring being accommodated in the jaw tongue recess 9. The upper comer of movable Jaw 2 incorporates a pistol hammer shaped thumb grip 11. The handle edge 12 being a straight edge ruler with metric and imperial measurements 13 imbedded into the sides of the handle. On the handle ends, there is a radiused hexagonal shaped ring spanner 14 which is for imperial and metric bolts. The gripping surfaces 15 of the handle 3 and Jaw 2 grip surface 7 can be fitted with removable jaw covers called soft Jaws.

Abstract: An ergonomic driving tool comprises a handle; one end of the handle having a pivotal portion; another end of the handle being formed with a clamping portion; the clamping portion having a notch; a driving head pivotaiiy installed to the pivotal portion. A handle length of the handle is defined as a length from a middle portion of the pivotal portion to a bottom of the handle; the driving head length is from the middle section of the pivotal portion to a top of the driving head; the handle length is 2.2 to 2.7 times of the driving head length. A driving head diameter of the driving head is defined as a distance between two lateral sides of the driving head. A clamping portion diameter is distance as length between two lateral sides of the clamping portion; and the driving head diameter is 0.8 to 1.2 times of the clamping portion diameter.

Abstract: An improved locking clamp device having independently extendable jaws and interchangeable quick release clamping members, said clamping members configured in unlimited variations of shape, texture, and hardness and optionally being moveable relative to the jaws of the device. The improvements allow increased flexibility of the device over traditionally configured locking clamps with regard to use of the device with difficult work pieces and environments. The interchangeable clamping members allow a single device to be used for multiple applications, thereby making the invention a low cost and convenient alternative to multiple special purpose tools, as well as permitting quick and inexpensive replacement of wear elements.

Abstract: An improved clamp device having interchangeable quick release clamping members, said clamping members being moveable relative to the jaws of the device and being magnetic so as to retain the clamp device to a ferro-metallic work piece. The improvements allow increased flexibility of the device over traditionally configured clamps with regard to use of the device with difficult work pieces and environments. The interchangeable clamping members allow a single device to be used for multiple applications, thereby making the invention a low cost and convenient alternative to multiple special purpose tools, as well as permitting quick and inexpensive replacement of wear elements.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a screwdriver shank having a non-slip tip disposed at an end of the shank wherein: (a) a distal end of the tip is adapted to fit into a slot having a predetermined width; and (b) an edge of the tip, along the distal end, comprises two or more straight line segments wherein two of the line segments are disposed at non-zero angles with respect to each other.

Abstract: A multi-functional tool head comprises a supporting unit having a polygonal shape; an end of the supporting unit being installed with a receiving seat recess for receiving an opener head; a penetrating hole being formed in the annular trench; the penetrating hole being communicated to the receiving seat recess; a buckle capable of being inserted into the penetrating hole; one end of the buckle being bent inwards so as to form with a resisting portion for inserting into the penetrating hole. If a screw opener head is used, the opener head can be inserted into the supporting unit; the buckle will resist against the opener head so as to combine the opener head to the supporting unit. If the present invention is to be used with a socket, the socket sleeves around the polygonal supporting unit; and the part of the buckle exposed from the annular trench will buckle the socket.

Abstract: An apparatus for slicing food products includes a product supply device that supplies a product to a cutting plane and a support table, onto which the product slices fall. The support table is provided with a controllable motor drive that displaces the support table relative to the falling product slices to form portions of any desired shape from a plurality of product slices. A formatting device includes a display device, on which product slices can be realistically presented. A user can prepare any desired formats from a plurality of product slices using a format function on the display device. An evaluation device converts the positions of the product slices into control commands for the motor drive, on the basis of which the motor drive displaces the support table based on the cutting speed to form portions on the support table that correspond to the format prepared on the display device.

Abstract: A web processing assembly including first, second and third fixed spaced apart pairs of nip rollers moving the web respectively at a first, second and third speeds, the first and third speeds being constant and similar, the second speed being variable with a mean speed similar to the first and third speeds, a first idler roller engaging the web between the first and second pair of rollers and a second idler roller engaging the web between the second and third pair of rollers, each idler roller maintaining the web in constant tension by moving along a restrained path perpendicular to its axis to compensate for a difference between the variable second speed and the respective one of the constant first and third speeds. A method for processing a web and system for conveying a web are also disclosed.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus comprising a structure in which replacement can be easily conducted corresponding to the perforation conditions such as the punch holes and number of holes, and in which condition settings and position determination can be automatically recognized during replacement; the perforating apparatus comprises: an orientation correction device that corrects skewing and aligns the front edge by striking the front edge of the paper, a perforation device comprising a punch to conduct perforation processing on the paper; and a lateral registration adjustment device that can adjust, in a direction at a right angle to the direction of movement of the aforementioned paper, the position of the perforation device punch in relation to the paper with orientation corrected using an orientation constraint device prior to perforating by the perforation device, the perforating apparatus comprising a structure in which said perforation device can be inserted into and detached from a non-moving support unit co

Abstract: The method and the device for positioning a columnar structure which can promote properties of the resulting columnar structure (ceramic honeycomb structure), such as thermal shock resistance, isostatic strength, thermal stress, mechanical stress, and the like, and can exhibit improved productivity due to excellent drying performance of the coated areas by approximation of the central axis of the columnar structure and the central axis of the seat, thereby flattening the coating thickness when a coating is applied to the outer circumferential surface of the columnar structure, are provided. After causing the positioning fixture to abut on the seat mounting the columnar structure thereon, the columnar structure is moved from the seat using a positioning adjustment fixture placed opposing the positioning fixture, while keeping the columnar structure to abut on the positioning adjustment fixture at one or two points, thereby causing the columnar structure to abut on the positioning fixture.

Abstract: A manually operated portable die cutting machine having a rotatable handle arm for generating a pressure necessary to cut a sheet material that is carried by a die cutting assembly and positioned between a movable upper press plate and a stationary lower press plate. A pull-out drawer is slidable outwardly from the body of the die cutting machine to enable access to a storage compartment thereof in which a variety of small articles can be transported. The rotation of a locking knob causes a corresponding rotation of a swing hook into engagement with the handle arm to prevent a rotation of the handle arm when it is desirable to carry the die cutting machine at the side of a user or to prevent use of the machine by a small child. The handle arm includes a handle having an upturned kick which prevents the user's fingers from being pinched when the handle is grasped to rotate the handle arm.

Abstract: A one-piece cutting die structure includes integrated packing. The blades of said cutting die integrates with a polyurethane form. The reverse side of said cutting die integrates with a flat packing layer upon which the pattern, title, product number, source of goods, and/or barcode of the cutting die can be printed on the surface thereof for identification marking. In addition, the area of the polyurethane form is larger than that of the cutting die, thereby enabling the packing layer to bind with the polyurethane form and placing the cutting die in-between. Therefore, the cutting die and the packing are integrated in one piece, so that the cutting die can be directly used without extra packing material to be removed and while reducing the waste of discarding the packing material, economizing the packing cost, and enabling the identification marking of the cutting die to be printed out.

Abstract: Fuel battery generates electric power using a predetermined fuel, and activation and deactivation of the electric power generation can be controlled in accordance with whether or not the fuel should be supplied to the fuel battery. The electric power is supplied to individual circuits/devices of a tone generation section, so that a tone is generated by any of the circuits/devices operating in response to operation of a performance operator unit. The circuits/devices are allowed to electrically operate for a long time with the electric power supplied by the fuel battery.

Abstract: A string dampener for a musical instrument is disclosed for dampening extraneous string noise caused by sympathetic vibrations. The disclosed dampener includes an attachment apparatus that releaseably attaches the string dampening apparatus to a portion of a stringed instrument. The dampener also includes dampening material to dampen string vibrations. Finally, an arm section is included that is rotatably coupled to the attachment apparatus and has the dampening material disposed on at least a portion of the arm section. The arm section is used to selectively engage and disengage contact of the dampening material with one or more strings of the stringed instrument by rotation with respect to the attachment apparatus. The disclosed string dampener affords quick attachment and detachment from a stringed instrument as well as easy engagement and disengagement of the dampener with the strings of an instrument with a requisite amount of pressure on the strings to effect proper dampening of sympathetic vibrations.