Abstract: A novel method and device for self-contained inertial vehicular propulsion using the combined effort of linear and rotational kinetic energy. The propulsion device containing pairs of flywheels with parallel axial orientation, opposite rotation and opposite alternate cyclic linear movement in the direction of vehicular travel. Kinetic energy is supplied to the flywheels with integral motor-generators means while at the same time the motor-generator means is connected to a rotational-to-reciprocal transmission means causing the alternating cyclic movement of the flywheels and supplying kinetic energy output for the propulsion of the vehicle. The formulation of the rotational-to-reciprocating transmission means allows an accumulation of kinetic energy into the motor-generator means rotational kinetic energy without causing a negative reaction force, due to the governing effect of the flywheels linear inertia in a governing negative feedback loop.

Abstract: A flexplate comprising a single integral body portion having a generally circular shape. One or more borings are formed in the body portion for receiving an end of a crankshaft of the engine on a first side of the body portion and for receiving a torque converter of an unrelated transmission on a second side of the body portion. Apertures may be formed in the body portion and positioned on the flexplate for alignment with corresponding apertures on a flange mounted to the end of the crankshaft and apertures on the torque converter.

Abstract: A connecting rod for a piston engine, in particular a twin crankshaft piston engine, with a first connecting rod head (2) that comprises a first connecting rod eye (20) for mounting a connecting rod (1) to a piston (52) of the piston engine; a second connecting rod head (3) that comprises a second connecting rod eye (30) for mounting said connecting rod (1) to the crankpin (58; 59) of a crankshaft (60; 61) of the piston engine, along with a connecting rod shank (4) that links the first connecting rod head (2) and the second connecting rod head (3), the connecting rod shank (4) comprising a narrow first connecting rod shank section (40) adjacent to the first connecting rod head (4) and the connecting rod shank (4) comprising a wider second connecting rod shank section (45) adjacent to the second connecting rod head (3); is characterized in that the first connecting rod shank section (40) and the second connecting rod shank section (45) merge with one another in a step-like manner and in that the width of the n

Abstract: A bicycle bottom bracket assembly has a crank axle and a pair of bearing units coupled thereto. The bearing units are configured to be mounted in a tubular hanger part or bottom bracket tube of a bicycle frame. The crank axle has a central portion, a first axial end portion disposed on a first side of the central portion and a second axial end portion disposed on a second side of the central portion. Each of the bearing units has an outer race, an inner race and a plurality of rolling members between the first outer and inner race. At least one of the bearing units has at least one drainage passage formed in the outer race.

Abstract: A bicycle bottom bracket assembly has a crank axle, a pair of bearing units and a pair of retaining clips. The bearing units are configured to be mounted in a tubular hanger part or bottom bracket tube of a bicycle frame. The crank axle has a central portion, a first axial end portion with a first recess disposed on a first side of the central portion and a second axial end portion with a second recess disposed on a second side of the central portion. One of bearing units is disposed on the first axial end portion of the crank axle at a location axially inward of the first recess, while the other bearing unit is disposed on the second axial end portion of the crank axle at a location axially inward of the second recess. One of retaining clips is disposed in the first recess and is configured to retain the one of the bearing units on the first axial end portion of the crank axle.

Abstract: A coupling profile is provided having in a plane transversal to an axis (X) of the bottom bracket, outer arcs belonging to the same outer circumference of the coupling, each of such outer arcs being flanked and filleted on one side to a power transmission line and on the opposite side to an idle line. The power transmission line and the idle line are asymmetrical to each other with respect to the outer arc that separates them.

Abstract: A crank assembly for a bicycle's bottom bracket assembly comprises a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, at least one crank arm associated with at least one free end of said shaft, first front coupling means formed on said shaft and second front coupling means formed on said at least one crank arm, said first and second front coupling means being coupled together. In particular, the aforementioned first and second front coupling means comprise respective front toothings. The front coupling is located in an end zone, or on the outside, of a bottom bracket assembly's shaft's housing box formed in the bicycle's frame. The front coupling introduces a structural discontinuity between crank arm and shaft, for which reason the bending load exerted on the crank arm during pedaling is transmitted to the shaft to a small degree.

Abstract: A variable length, pedal driven, crank mechanism, suitable for use on human powered vehicles; with gear driven transmission assemblies mounted on each end of an axle which is supported by and rotates on bearings. These arms have an inner and outer housing that bolt together forming rigid sealed assemblies, each containing a train of gears that engage the fixed, non rotating, pinion gears, transferring rotation to the proximal drive gears. The proximal gears have splined shafts that extend outside the primary housings on which secondary outer crank arms are attached. The outer crank arms are internally threaded on the side of their proximal ends for the attachment of pedals. This assembly causes the outer arms to extend on the down stroke and increases the amount of leverage available to the operator.

Abstract: A bicycle crank axle comprises an axle body having first and second end portions, a plurality of first splines disposed at the first end portion of the axle body, a plurality of second splines disposed at the second end portion of the axle body, and a projection extending radially outwardly from the first end portion of the axle body, wherein the projection is structured to abut against a lateral outer surface of a bicycle crank arm to prevent the bicycle crank arm from moving axially outward. A separate projecting member is mounted to the first end of the axle body to form the projection. The plurality of first splines extend radially outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the axle body for engaging a splined surface of the bicycle crank arm, but the plurality of second splines do not extend radially outwardly relative to the outer peripheral surface of the axle body.

Abstract: A pedal device includes a barrel for attaching to a cycling apparatus and having two or more rods resiliently supported on the barrel, and an attachment for attaching to a bicycle shoe and having two catches for selectively engaging with the rods, and for forcing the rods away from each other, to allow the catches of the attachment to move beyond the rods, and to be anchored and positioned to the rods of the pedal device. For example, the barrel includes two resilient members each having two or more orifices for engaging with the rods and to resiliently couple the rods between the resilient members and on the barrel. The barrel includes two stops for positioning the resilient members on the barrel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pedal structure without front clamping members set thereon, in particular, a pedal structure enabling a rider's foot/leg joints to horizontally swivel as appropriate or move up and downs at certain narrow angels, so that a rider to flexibly move leg/foot joints, reduce tiredness on legs and enjoy more comfortable feeling during his/her bicycle riding.

Abstract: A pedal includes a pedal body (1) mounted rotatably on a pedal axle (2) and having at least two arches (7) for engaging an engagement member (8) fixed below a cyclist's shoe. The arches have opposite branches connected to the pedal body and they are disposed one after the other about the periphery of the pedal body (1) so as to define between them an engagement surface for the engagement member (8) against the pedal body (1). The two arches (7) are adapted to be urged toward each other by resilient return elements returning them to a retention position for the engagement member (8). At least one of the at least two arches is a resilient arch constituting the resilient return elements, and the ends of this resilient arch have bending axes that are offset relative to each other.

Abstract: A foldable pedal assembly includes: a pedal frame formed with left and right studs opposite to each other in an axial direction; a crank-connecting part including left and right wing units that define left and right recesses, respectively, the left and right studs extending into the left and right recesses and being pivoted to the left and right wing units, respectively; left and right urging members disposed in the left and right recesses to urge the pedal frame in a first direction transverse to the axial direction, and to urge the crank-connecting part in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a first limiting unit abutting against at least one of the left and right studs by urging action of the urging members; and a second limiting unit abutting against at least one of the left and right wing units by urging action of the urging members.

Abstract: The present invention is a rotary indexing table driven by an induction motor. The rotary indexing table includes a rotatable work supporting platform, an AC induction motor including a motor shaft coupled to the rotatable work supporting platform; and a controller operatively coupled to the AC induction motor. The AC induction motor is equipped with a high resolution positional feedback device. The high-resolution positional feedback device may be an encoder or a resolver. The controller is configured to drive the AC induction motor in a direct drive manner. The high-resolution positional feedback device is operatively coupled to the controller, and the controller is configured to filter a signal provided by the high-resolution positional feedback device. The signal provided by the high-resolution positional feedback device may be a square wave or a sine wave. The present invention is also directed to a method precisely driving and positioning a rotary indexing table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to niobium powder for a capacitor, comprising a niobium layer and a mixed layer of silicon nitride and niobium, the mixed layer being present in the vicinity of the powder particle surface; granulated niobium powder thereof; a niobium sintered body using the niobium powder and the granulated powder; and a capacitor using the sintered body as one electrode. The niobium powder for a capacitor of the present invention enables to produce a niobium capacitor having a high capacitance, a low leakage current, a low ESR and good tan ? characteristics and being excellent particularly in the properties of the breakdown voltage and soldering heat resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a plant for the heat treatment of solids containing iron oxide, in which fine-grained solids are heated to a temperature of 700 to 1150° C. in a fluidized bed reactor (8). To improve the utilization of energy, it is proposed to introduce a first gas or gas mixture from below through at least one gas supply tube (9) into a mixing chamber region (15) of the reactor (8), the gas supply tube (9) being at least partly surrounded by a stationary annular fluidized bed (12) which is fluidized by supplying fluidizing gas. The gas velocities of the first gas or gas mixture and of the fluidizing gas for the annular fluidized bed (12) are adjusted such that the Particle-Froude-Numbers in the gas supply tube (9) are between 1 and 100, in the annular fluidized bed (12) between 0.02 and 2, and in the mixing chamber (15) between 0.3 and 30.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the thermal treatment of raw materials in which a furnace (2) is charged with the raw material and at least two gas phases are introduced into the furnace in which the raw material is subjected to the thermal treatment. The gas phases have different oxygen contents and are introduced into the furnace sequentially. During the introduction of a first gas phase with a relatively high oxygen content (for example, O2), a temperature and pressure rise occurs; the reaction gases are forced towards the center of the furnace by the subsequent introduction of a second gas phase with a relatively low or no oxygen content (for example, air, CH4), whereupon an equalization of temperature and concentration occurs in the melting zone. Said method permits a good penetration of the furnace charge and avoids localized overheating within the charge. The invention further relates to a furnace (2) for carrying out said method.

Abstract: Precious metal recovery by thiosulfate leaching where thiosulfate lixiviant is generated in situ employing elemental sulfur generated from partial oxidation of sulfidic precious metal-bearing feed and/or employing reactants from processing effluent.

Abstract: A substantially circular slicer knife is provided having an interior base portion made of a first material and an outer edge portion made of a second material. The outer edge portion is metallurgically bonded to the interior base portion. A method of manufacturing the slicer knife involves providing a knife base of the first material having an annular groove therein, applying second material to the annular groove forming a knife blank and then machining the knife blank to expose the second material along a radially outer edge.

Abstract: A hose clamp for limited diameters, in the form of an open band ring having overlapping band ends, is manufactured from the band material of an insert as is used in conventional hose clamps for bridging an ear gap, such insert being typically made of steel according to DIN 1.4310 having a thickness of 0.3 mm. An opening is provided near one band end and a hook for engaging the opening is provided near the other band end. For closing this hose clamp, a gripper-type tool is used, the two jaws of which, in the closed condition, constitute an essentially uninterrupted inner surface having a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the closed hose clamp.

Abstract: A socket provided with a ratchet device comprises: a polygon-shaped end portion, a ratchet device having a receiving groove provided with a plurality of retaining walls and guiding walls, a plurality of retaining members and springs, a direction-controlling sleeve having a plurality of protruded portions therebottom, and a coupling bar. At one end of the socket is formed the polygon-shaped end portion, while at another end is defined with the ratchet device. The receiving groove is formed at the upper end of socket for receiving a plurality of retaining members and springs therein.

Abstract: An asymmetrical wrench and fastener system comprising radially extending splines having opposing surfaces whose inner ends are inclined by different amounts with respect to a radius intersecting the respective inner ends to alter the torque between the tightening and loosening directions. This configuration makes it either easier or harder to loosen the fastener than it was to tighten it, depending on the amount the opposing surfaces of the splines are inclined.

Abstract: A wrench includes a body having a head and a handle having a grasping section. The handle includes two opposed sidewalls and a recessed portion between the sidewalls and at least partially located in the grasping section. A mounting hole extends from a bottom wall of the recessed portion through an outer side of the grasping section. A grip member includes a raised portion engaged in the recessed portion and having a receiving hole aligned with the mounting hole. A fastener is extended through the mounting hole into the receiving hole. The combined handle/grip member has a central line of a height extending between the ends of the body. Each sidewall of the handle extends across the central line. In another embodiment, a mounting strip is provided in a slot in the grasping section and has a peg engaged in a receiving hole of the grip member.

Abstract: The invention relates to mechanical engineering. The crosswise wrench comprises a prismatic core with a polygonal cross-section, a face plate nut head on the one end and a working point on other end, three circular grooves and an extended element having face plate nut heads on the ends thereof. The extended element has at least three identical pairs of partially mutually transversal apertures with mutually perpendicular axes, which cross a longitudinal axis of the extended element at a right angle. The first apertures of each pair of the partially mutually transversal apertures are through and have the same polygonal cross-section, as the prismatic core and the sizes ensuring its sequential placement in said apertures with the possibility of longitudinal movement.

Abstract: Provided is a self-adjustable universal spanner employing a variable jaw sizing feature including: a spanner head having an upper slide groove and a lower groove for inserting a bolt therebetween; a ratcheting size-adjustment member slidable along the upper groove to fasten and unfasten the bolt; and a jaw sizing member movable in the lower groove in a stepped manner to vary a width between the ratcheting size-adjustment member and the jaw sizing member so that the spanner can fasten and unfasten various sizes of bolts. In addition, a pair of bolt holding members may be installed between the upper and lower grooves. Therefore, the present invention is capable of fastening or unfastening more sizes of bolts than that of a single spanner head. In addition, it is possible to fasten bolts and nuts using a user's one hand by employing a bolt holding member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cutting a corner post. The apparatus includes a blade disposed within the apparatus. A piston is coupled to the blade for actuating the blade. A trigger switch is coupled to the piston. The piston causes the blade to actuate when the trigger is depressed. The apparatus includes an opening through the apparatus for receiving the corner post through the opening. The blade is actuated to move through the opening and cut through the corner post.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a solution that permits a carpenter to make exact, on-the-spot time-efficient cross-cuts of their boards while holding the board in one-hand and the circular saw in the other hand.

Abstract: A food product slicer with a rotatable slicer knife includes a ring guard disposed about a portion of the peripheral cutting edge of the slicer knife. A removable ring guard cover includes a food catching wall positioned in the gap between the peripheral cutting edge of the knife and the ring guard.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a nutshell cracker and method of use. The nutshell cracker has three or more cracking members, each with a concave cracking surface, a central slot on its top with eyelets on either side. The 3-D design and curvature of the invention make it stylish, sleek, and attractive, and suitable for storage upon a table or kitchen countertop. The cracking members rotate about the connecting member, surrounding the nut on three or more sides, thereby allowing the user to apply less pressure per cracking member to achieve the same overall pressure upon the nutshell as would be applied through use of a traditional nutcracker. Having cracking members on three or more sides also increases the ability of the invention to constrain the nutshell during cracking and decreases the chances that once cracked, the actual nut will squirt out the side and fall on the floor.

Abstract: A cutting template for use in cutting various shapes of various sizes, into or out of a medium. The template can include a sheet with two grooves in the shape of an X that define the edge of a cut shape and markings that define various sizes and permit registration with a medium. The grooves function to guide a cutting instrument that extends through the grooves into the medium to be cut, eliminating any need for tracing a pattern onto the medium. The template can be made of a plastic or similar material sheet that is transparent or translucent to a sufficient degree for a user to see registration markings on the template and the medium upon which the template is placed.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a workpiece, i.e. a crown molding, so as to facilitate cutting angled joint surfaces which are able to be jointed together to form a corner. The device comprises a base plate, a first supporting wall, a second supporting wall and an adjusting device disposed between the base plate and the second supporting wall for adjusting a position of the second supporting wall on a base plane. A method of using the stabilizing device comprises the following steps: to place a stabilizing device on a miter saw, to abut a first supporting wall or a first side edge of the base plate against a fence of the miter saw; after a first cutting is completed, to abut a second supporting wall or a second side edge of the base plate against the fence to perform a second cutting.

Abstract: A microtome (1), having a knife (9) for sectioning a specimen (5) for subsequent microscopic examination, is described. The microtome (1) comprises a cooled specimen holder (2) for receiving the specimen (5), the specimen holder (2) being connected to a coolant circuit (3). Additionally associated with the specimen holder (2) is a cooled thermal conduction plate (4) that can be placed over the specimen (5).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a power miter saw comprises a power miter saw having a saw base, a fence for positioning a work piece, a table rotatably connected to the saw base, a miter arm assembly for angularly positioning the table relative to the saw base, a saw blade and motor assembly operatively connected to the table, a linear guide mechanism attached to the table and being configured to support the saw blade and motor assembly and enable movement of the assembly along a predetermined linear path in either a forward or a rearward direction, the mechanism having a pivot block with a first pivot axis generally perpendicular to the plane of the saw blade about which the saw blade and motor assembly is pivotable to move a saw blade vertically into and out of cutting position, the mechanism having a multiple link hinge pivotally interconnecting the pivot block and the table with pivot axes that are parallel to one another and with the first pivot axis, the mechanism having a gear set operatively con

Abstract: A cutting tool for cutting a sheet of material has a base, a support attached to the base, and a blade pivotally mounted on the support for moving the blade between an open position for receiving a sheet of material to be cut between the support and the blade, and a closed position after a cutting operation. The support includes a sloth configured to receive the blade during cutting. The blade has a flat cutting edge with an arcuate profile. The tool also has a stop for retaining the sheet to be cut on the support during cutting.

Abstract: A container is provided for dispensing selected portions of a web material retained on a roll. The container includes a substantially hollow dispenser tube, a track-guided cutting assembly and end caps securing the dispenser and track structure. The dispenser has an elongated opening in a portion of the side wall thereof. The end caps include a groove substantially corresponding to the profile shape of the dispenser, a projection substantially corresponding to the inner diameter of the roll, and a cutter track holder to secure the cutting assembly adjacent the opening in the dispenser.

Abstract: A hand-held conduit-cutting device is disclosed. The device uses a battery powered, motor driven reciprocating saw blade to cut electrical conduit and other tubing. The apparatus can be angled to a variety of positions to make positioning the conduit-cutting device easier for cutting the conduit or other tubing.

Abstract: A vertical saw machine includes a column with upper and lower supports carrying a motor to drive a saw blade. A table is disposed between the upper and lower supports for supporting a workpiece thereon. The saw blade intersects the table with an included angle. The column is turnable between normal and inclined positions to vary the included angle. A frame post is mounted under the table to be positioned on the ground surface An arcuate key slot is formed in the frame post such that the motor projects through the key slot to be guided therealong so as to retainingly turn the column between the two positions -A worm gearing mechanism includes a worm wheel segment and a worm that are respectively mounted to the column and the frame post and that are operable to turn the column.

Abstract: Adjustable slicing devices and blades for the adjustable slicing devices are provided. One slicing device includes a frame having a first configuration and a second configuration. The slicing device further includes a first guide plate and a second guide plate wherein the first and second guide plates are mounted to the frame and include an opening formed between the guide plates in the first configuration. The device includes a first blade mounted in the opening in the first configuration, the blade having a cutting edge, and an adjustment control member having a first position for releasing the frame from the first configuration.

Abstract: A keyboard-type tone plate percussion instrument which is simple in construction and light in weight and capable of easily unifying key-operation feelings and efficiently outputting well-balanced sounds. Percussion units are arranged to respectively correspond to keys and tone plates and each strike a corresponding tone plate when driven by a key depressing operation. A resonance box has resonance chambers corresponding to the tone plates and each having an opening side thereof close to a corresponding tone plate. The tone plates are constructed into a single-stage structure where they are arranged in an order of tone pitch in a direction of array of the keys so that tone plates neighboring in specific tone pitch are arranged adjacent to each other. The percussion units are constructed into a single-stage structure where they are arranged to correspond to array of the tone plates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pickup and base structure of a drum head, in particular, a pickup applied to a mesh head or a hard drum head having the base thereof in a hollow L-shape, thereby allowing a vertical space to position a terminal base of a signal line and a horizontal portion in a L shape to form a recess inwards. A shock isolator is integrally formed with the pickup in one piece by clamping said pickup from both above and below, in addition, another shock isolator is fastened on the vertical side on the exterior of the base. The structure is fixed on the underside of the drum head and the shock isolator that is fastened on the vertical side on the exterior of the base is against on a position corresponding to the drum body, so as to form the pickup and base structure of a drum head that is easily to be installed.

Abstract: An attachment part is disposed on a part of the edge of a resonance plate, which is made of a metal containing copper, and a weight is attached to the resonance plate at a predetermined distance from the attachment part. Plural vibration pickups are attached to the surface of the resonance plate between the weight and the attachment part. The resonance plate is attached to a percussion instrument at the attachment part. The plural vibration pickups produce electric signals corresponding to the resonant vibrations at their respective positions on the resonance plate, and the electric signals are mixed and output as percussion-instrument-sound signals.

Abstract: A key for keyboard-based musical instrument is provided for ensuring high hydrophilia and thereby ensuring higher playing performance. A key 1 for an electronic piano 2 comprises a key body 10 made of an ABS resin, and a thin plate-shaped key touch member 11 adhered on the top surface of the key body 10. The key touch member 11 comprises a base 11b made of an ABS resin, and a hydrophilic polymer 11a added in the base 11b in a dispersed manner. While a player is playing a keyboard-based musical instrument, sweat at the tip of his/her finger is absorbed by the hydrophilic polymer 11a.

Abstract: A wireless personal communications device (106) that has a wireless communications circuit (704) that communicates over a cellular communications system and a user input sensor (306, 404, 410, 412, 502) that detects an input from a user (104, 108). An included audio-visual effect generator (210) generates an audio-visual effect based upon input detected by the user input sensor (306, 404, 410, 412, 502). A collaborative audio-visual effect creation system (110) accepts audio visual effects from multiple sources (106), uses a multiple user wireless data communications system to wirelessly communicate data among multiple wireless personal communications devices (106), accepts rating information from the wireless personal communications devices (106) and produces an audio-visual output that is derived received audio-visual effects based upon the rating information.

Abstract: Personal Portable Groove Generator device (MP3/PDA/Cellphone form), software and website operation for truly novice Users to create unique musically complete compositions, automatically or User-generated, through menu-directed selection from loop libraries to mix and build novel, complete, rich, musical Grooves that can be audited, saved, up/down loaded, evolved, and shared, P2P or via a community or other website, on a free or subscription-type basis. In AUTOPLAY mode, the device automatically creates the composition by random selection of compatible loops once a STYLE has been selected by the User. In CREATE mode, the User builds a musical Groove by combining loop tracks. The User listens-to and selects successive categories of loops that are compatible in key, tempo and style, and each chosen loop is digitally combined with prior loop(s) to create the savable/sharable Groove. In addition to general popularity, the system has particular utility in the Music Therapy and Music Education fields.

Abstract: A method and apparatus implement time compression and expansion of audio data, with dynamic tempo change during playback. Dynamic changes in tempo are implemented at specific points in the audio signal corresponding to local minimums in the fade-in and fade-out characteristics of the compression/expansion scheme. An audio signal is marked to define temporal slices of audio data. Mark positions may be selected to minimize significant transient activity midway between consecutive marks. Fade-in and fade-out functions are associated with the leading side and trailing side, respectively, of each mark, creating a series of cross-fading “mounds” with peaks at each mark. When a tempo change is requested (e.g., a user selects a new tempo value in a user interface), the tempo change is delayed until the start of the next “mound” (i.e., the next fade-in). Thus, despite the tempo change, each mound uses a contiguous set of audio data, preventing the clicks and pops associated with skips in the audio’ data.

Abstract: The present synthesizer includes functionality for changing over from a current note to the following notes that results in natural and expressive combinations and transitions. The method of the present invention incorporates an delay (actual, functional, or look ahead) between receiving control data inputs and generating an output sound. This period of delay is used to modify how notes will be played according to control data inputs for later notes. The input to the synthesizer is typically a time-varying MIDI stream, which may be provided by a musician or a MIDI sequencer from stored data. An actual delay occurs when the synthesizer receives a MIDI stream and buffers it while looking ahead for changeovers between notes. A functional delay occurs in a system in which the synthesizer has knowledge of note changeovers ahead of time.

Abstract: The present synthesizer generates an underlying spectrum, pitch and loudness for a sound to be synthesized, and then combines the underlying spectrum, pitch and loudness with stored Spectral, Pitch, and Loudness Fluctuations and noise elements. The input to the synthesizer is typically a MIDI stream. A MIDI preprocess block processes the MIDI input and generates the signals needed by the synthesizer to generate output sound phrases. The synthesizer comprises a harmonic synthesizer block (which generates an output representing the tonal audio portion of the output sound), an Underlying Spectrum, Pitch, and Loudness (which takes pitch and loudness and uses stored algorithms to generate the slowly varying portion of the output sound) and a Spectral, Pitch, and Loudness Fluctuation portion (which generates the quickly varying portion of the output sound by selecting and combining Spectral, Pitch, and Loudness Fluctuation segments stored in a database).

Abstract: There is provided a portable media player including: a non-volatile memory; a decoder for playing back media files stored in the memory; a display unit for displaying information from the media files stored in the memory; a MIDI synthesizer coupled to the processor; a sound input for passing sound signals through an analog-digital converter and subsequently, the synthesizer. There is also a sound output for transmitting sound signals from the synthesizer; and a port for the coupling of a sound composition apparatus to the media player. A method for composing music using the portable media player is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument includes a performance operation portion that is operated by fingers of a performer, a contact portion that is adapted to be brought into contact with a lower lip of the performer, a contact pressure detection portion that detects the contact pressure at which the lower lip is brought into contact with the contact portion, and generates a pressure value in accordance with the detected contact pressure, and a control portion that specifies sound of a pitch in accordance with an operation status of the performance operation portion and changes the pitch of the sound in accordance with the pressure value.

Abstract: A contact safety device between two mechanical parts mobile which respect to one another to guarantee the internal kinematics, by the release or activation of control means, wherein said device incorporates a safety unit connected to one of said two mechanical parts enclosing a probe activated by one of said two mechanical part and amplifying means constituted by an amplifying lever activated by said probe and an immobilizing lock activated by said amplifying lever meshed on said control means so as to transform a rectilinear micro-movement into a circular movement of large magnitude.