Abstract: An integrally micromachined acceleration sensor has a mass with a surface facing a stopper. At least one protrusion projects from this surface toward the stopper. In the absence of acceleration, the protrusion is spaced apart from the stopper, but by limiting motion of the mass toward the stopper, the protrusion improves the shock resistance of the acceleration sensor. The protrusion also prevents the mass from sticking to the stopper during the fabrication process. The stopper may have a pattern of holes surrounding the protrusion, so that the protrusion is produced naturally during the wet etching process that separates the mass from the stopper. The holes also shorten the wet etching time.

Abstract: An accelerometer includes a housing, a magnetic fluid within the housing, and an inertial body suspended in the magnetic fluid and generally constrained to move along a single axis. Centering magnets are positioned on two sides of the inertial body along the axis. A detector provides a signal indicative of acceleration based on displacement of the inertial body. A plurality of stops can be placed on the inertial body inside the housing. A coil winding can be placed on the housing to be coupled to the inertial body for maintaining the inertial body substantially in place. Cavities with air can be on sides of the inertial body. Openings in the housing can be placed at locations of the cavities. The inertial body can have a channel connecting the cavities. The detector can be a Hall sensor, a digital Hall sensor, or two Hall sensors for differential detection of the acceleration. The housing can have two lids that substantially enclose, within the housing, magnetic fields from the centering magnets.

Abstract: A MEMS sensor having a vibrating cantilevered beam sensing element is provided. The sensor has a drive element which is configured to apply follower forces to a free end of the cantilevered beam. These forces function to change the resonant frequency of the beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to accelerometer structures micro-machined according to micro-electronics technologies. The accelerometer according to the invention comprises a substrate, an elastically deformable thin-layer membrane suspended above the substrate and secured to the substrate at its periphery, a proof mass suspended above the membrane and linked to the latter by a central stud, and capacitive interdigitated combs distributed about the mass, having movable plates secured to the mass and fixed plates secured to the substrate. The fixed plates and movable plates of the various combs are of differentiated heights to help in the discrimination of the upward and downward vertical accelerations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and methods with which changes in rail conditions can be determined and monitored over time. The present invention includes a database of data, wherein a first set of data is used for comparison with a second set of data to determine the stress state of rail.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in an ultra low power dosimeter assembly. The ultra low power dosimeter assembly may comprise a low power voltage source and a table circuit. The table circuit may be adapted to convert an input voltage to a second voltage level. The second voltage level may correspond to noise dose. The ultra low power dosimeter assembly may also comprise a switch adapted to trigger a control circuit. The control circuit may provide progressive attenuation of an output signal as the second voltage level increases. In certain embodiments, the control circuit may also be adapted to send one or more warning signals to a user of the ultra low power dosimeter. The one or more warning signals may be sent when the control circuit determines the second voltage level has reached one or more pre-determined threshold voltage levels.

Abstract: Silicon-based high pressure sensor modules are manufactured in an array arrangement, incorporating a low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) substrate. The LTCC substrate can withstand high pressures. Bossed containers filled with oil are mounted on the substrate in an array. These bossed containers house the sensor cells which are composed of a sensor handle wafer and a diaphragm. The top surface of these bossed containers are flexible and deflect under pressure. By controlling the surface area and the thickness of the top surface, the pressure sensors can be configured to measure a wide range of pressures. The oil transfers pressure from the bossed container to the diaphragm of the sensor cell while protecting the sensor cell from high pressures and harsh media.

Abstract: A method of forming a strain sensor from a polymeric film includes the steps of selectively irradiating a surface of the polymer with high energy radiation to change the composition of the polymer and increase the electrical conductivity in selected portions of the surface. The radiation can create carbonized particles or metallic particles within the polymer and the changes in interparticle gaps between conducting particles in the polymer will result in strain dependent electrical properties in the treated polymer.

Abstract: A process flow device includes a self-averaging pitot tube type of primary flow element for measuring, by a differential pressure process, the volumetric rate of fluid flow at a point in a fluid carrying conduit where the velocity profile of the fluid is asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis of the conduit. The improved flow element comprises an annulus having a central opening and a pitot tube type flow-impeding device disposed transversely across the central opening and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit. The pitot tube type flow-impeding device includes a plurality of total pressure ports in an upstream facing surface, a plurality of static pressure ports in a downstream facing surface, and total and static pressure plenums connected in fluid communication respectively to the total and static pressure ports.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a pressure detecting apparatus that is less affected from noises and can be constructed in a large size. The pressure detecting apparatus according to the present invention utilizes electromagnetic coupling. The sensor section comprises first coils 1, second coils 2 provided on the first coils such that they are superimposed to each other, and a first cushion member 3 provided between the first coils and the second coils. A drive circuit for driving either of the first coils and the second coils and a detection circuit for detecting pressure applied against the sensor section on the basis of signals resulting from electromagnetic coupling from the other of the first coils and the second coils are connected to the sensor section. The sensor sections are disposed in a matrix state so that measurements of pressure distribution can be effected.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor is attached to a seat belt assembly in a vehicle. The seat belt tensor sensor is secured to the vehicle by a bolt. The sensor includes a housing that is secured by the bolt. An anchor plate is mounted to the housing. The anchor plate has a hole for the bolt and an opening. A strain gage is secured to the housing and extends into the opening. The strain gage has an aperture. A spring is located between the anchor plate and the strain gage. An actuator support is located between the spring and the strain gage to actuate the strain gage. The actuator has a projection extending through the aperture that contacts the anchor plate. The projection prevents a shift in the output of the strain gage when the sensor is subjected to mechanical shock.

Abstract: A sampling port includes an elongated flexible support tube having an interior surface bounding a first passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first passageway being closed at the first end of the support tube and open at the second end of the support tube. An elongated flexible sampling tube has an interior surface bounding a second passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the second passageway being open at the first end of the sampling tube, at least a portion of the sampling tube adjacently extending along the length of the support tube and being connected to the support tube. A flange encircles and radially outwardly projecting from the support tube and the sampling tube at a location spaced apart from the first end of the support tube and the first end of the sampling tube.

Abstract: A transfer unit for transferring a sample from a source vessel to a target vessel. In one embodiment of the invention, an actuator plate within the transfer unit, has a plurality of individually activated electromagnets disposed therein; wherein activation of any of said electromagnets results in translation and mating of the electromagnetic pin of said electromagnet into a respective though-hole associated with an individual actuator rod, for selective activation of said actuator rod and its terminal actuating element. The terminal actuating element can be a magnet for attraction of magnetic particles from within a sample, or a piston for pippetting a specific volume of liquid sample.

Abstract: Clothing 12 made of a cloth is put on a dummy object 11 that is formed into a human-like shape and made of a material having less reflection of electric wave, in order to form a dummy doll 10. Then, a collision prediction test or inspection by a millimeter wave radar is performed while swaying the clothing 12 by a blower 14. By swaying the clothing 12, the result of the measurement with the use of the millimeter wave radar same as that obtained by using an actual human can be obtained. Further, the clothing 12 may be swayed by vibrating the dummy doll 10 or moving the same, instead of the sending air. A reflection plate may be incorporated into the dummy object 11 to change the reflection state of the reflection plate. According to these configurations, the result of the test or inspection similar to the vehicle collision prediction by the millimeter wave radar for an actual pedestrian can be obtained with the use of the dummy doll.

Abstract: A nut structure is used for being screwed to a guiding screw and includes a main nut, a safety nut, a resilient body and a position-restricting piece. The main nut is made of plastic material and provided in its interior with inner threads and an accommodating chamber formed on one side of the inner threads. The safety nut and the resilient body are provided in the accommodating chamber. The safety nut also has inner threads and is axially displaceable with respect to the main nut. Both ends of the resilient body abut on the corresponding end faces of the main nut and the safety nut, respectively. Further, a position-restricting piece is fixed to one side of the accommodating chamber of the main nut for restricting the range of the displacement of the safety nut in the accommodating chamber. With this structure, a sufficient safety can be assured even when the wear occurs between the main nut and the guiding screw.

Abstract: An automated triple-clutch multi-speed transmission is adapted to transfer power from the engine to the driveline of a motor vehicle. The transmission includes a first clutch operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between an input shaft and a first shaft, a second clutch operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the input shaft and a second shaft and a third clutch operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the input shaft and a third shaft. A first constant mesh gearset is driven by the first shaft. A second constant mesh gearset is driven by the second shaft. A third constant mesh gearset is driven by the third shaft. First, second and third gearset clutches are operable for releasably drivingly coupling the first, second and third gearsets to a countershaft which, in turn, drives an output shaft.

Abstract: A double-clutch transmission for vehicles is described. The device has a driveshaft and an output shaft, a first transmission input shaft coaxial with a second transmission input shaft, which may be hollow. A first clutch is provided, used to coupled the driveshaft to the first transmission input shaft, and a second clutch, used to couple the driveshaft to the second transmission input shaft. A first, second, third, and fourth gearwheel step are provided, as well as an intermediate drive, which is driven by the first or the second transmission input shaft via one of the gearwheel steps as a function of the shift state of the gearwheel steps. The first transmission input shaft is assigned to the first and the second gearwheel steps, and the second transmission input shaft is assigned to the third and the fourth gearwheel steps.

Abstract: A method for cooling a friction shift element of a transmission is proposed, wherein a variable, a constant or the maximum amount of cooling oil is fed to the friction shift element in a time-controlled manner, specifically within an aftercooling phase.

Abstract: A transmission configuration includes an automated dual-clutch transmission having two transmission sections with respective input shafts, respective output shafts and respective motor clutches. The motor clutches are connected, on a motor side thereof, to a drive shaft and to a respective one of the input shafts on a transmission side thereof. A drive-side speed sensor unit is disposed at the drive shaft. An input-side speed sensor configuration includes sensor wheels connected, fixed against relative rotation, to respective ones of the input shafts, and pulse sensors disposed stationary with respect to a housing and within an effective range of the respective sensor wheels. The input-side speed sensor configuration is configured to detect a speed of the input shafts and a direction of rotation of at least one of the input shafts. A method for controlling an automated dual-clutch transmission is also provided.

Abstract: A shift lever device for operating a vehicle mounted transmission by pivoting operation of a shift lever about a predetermined axis is disclosed, and in this shift lever device, a housing is configured by a first housing member that is disposed on one side of the shift lever in a predetermined direction and a second housing member that assemblable to the first housing member along the predetermined direction from the side of the shift lever opposite to the side facing the first housing member with the shift lever therebetween, and the shift lever is axially supported inside the housing such that the shift lever is pivotable about an axis whose axial direction is the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A shifter for a bicycle transmission that includes a spring element that functions as a preloaded spring for cable-release operations and a detent pawl. The shifter also includes a housing having a detent contour, a cable spool for winding and unwinding a control cable thereon, and an actuator. The actuator includes a release element, a spring seat and a driver. The spring element includes a detent pawl, a base and a spool driver. The detent pawl is engageable with the detent contour to maintain the shifter in a current detent position. The base is supported by the spring seat and the spool driver is operatively engages and rotates the spool.

Abstract: A steering shaft (12) has an end toward a driver of the vehicle and is arranged to turn about an axis (27) to steer a vehicle. A hub (14) of a steering wheel assembly (13) is fastened to that end of the shaft. A spoke pattern of one or more spokes (15) extends away from the hub to a rim (17) that when grasped by the driver and turned, turns the shaft to steer the vehicle. With the rim turned to a position that steers the vehicle in a straight line of travel, the spoke pattern assumes a position of at least approximate symmetry with respect to a vertical plane through the axis. An escutcheon (24, 26) covers the one or more spokes to prevent the driver from having an unobstructed view of the one or more spokes and is positionable within a range of positions relative to the one or more spokes.

Abstract: Salt composition for protecting, refining and/or recycling molten magnesium or magnesium alloys, where in that the salt composition consists of halogen ides of strontium, potassium, cesium or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an economically excellent method for manufacturing ultra fine tungsten carbide-cobalt composite powder having tungsten compound and cobalt compound as its raw material. More particularly, the present invention provides a manufacturing method comprising a process for mixing tungsten compounds, cobalt compounds, grain-grown inhibitor compounds and oxide in a mechanical method, a calcination process for removing ammonia and moisture of the mixed powder and forming it into an composite oxide, a reduction process for manufacturing said calcined powder into pure metal powder, a mixing process for adding carbon source to said reduced powder, and a carburization process for manufacturing the mixed powder into a tungsten carbide-cobalt composite powder, which is the final form. Using the manufacturing method of the present invention, ultra-fine tungsten carbide-cobalt composite powder having an ultra-fine particle size of 0.1˜0.2 ?m, 0.2˜0.3 ?m, 0.3˜0.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for the treatment of steel mill electric arc furnace (EAF) dust containing agglomerates of small ferrite particles and larger magnetite particles, the process comprising the steps of: a) washing the EAF dust in water to dissolve soluble salts, metals and simple oxides contained in the dust, said washing step being performed under agitation and with an alkaline pH; b) decanting the solution of step a) to obtain a supernatant liquid containing the dissolve salts, metals and simple oxides and a slurry containing ferrites and magnetites, a non toxic amount of leachable lead and a reduced amount of calcium; c) separating the slurry and the supernatant liquid; d) adding to the slurry obtained in step c) an anionic surfactant to disperse the ferrite particles adsorbed on the magnetite particles; and e) treating the slurry from step d) to produce pigments selected from the group consisting of ferrite pigments, magnetite pigments and ferrite/magnetite pigments.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing functionally graded materials that contain a hard phase that is embedded in a metal matrix phase. The material have a continuous gradient of a matrix metal phase. An example of these types of materials include functionally graded cemented tungsten carbide (the hard phase) that has a continuous gradient of cobalt (the matrix metal) from one reference position, for example, one surface of a part, to another reference position, for example, the opposite surface of the part or within the part. The functionally graded materials are sintered via a liquid phase sintering (LPS) technique. In order to achieve the desired continuous gradient of the matrix metal, an initial gradient of one of the chemical elements of the hard phase is designed and built into the part prior to liquid phase sintering.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ratchet wrench comprising a head (1) having a driving aperture (2) for engaging a drive means (4) rotatable therein. A handle (3) mounted for tilting movement in relation to said head (1), providing a first state where the drive means (4) is allowed to freely rotate and a second state where said drive means is engaged by said ratchet wrench for driving of the drive means. Said handle (3) is movable, into and out from a mounting position in the longitudinally direction of the handle (3). One end of said handle (3) is moveable through a first aperture (6) and further through a second aperture (7) of the head (1), said first and second apertures (6, 7) extending laterally relative the longitudinal axis of the driving aperture (2).

Abstract: A fitting hole of a hand tool such as a socket or a wrench for fitting on and wrenching a screwing member. The inner wall of the fitting hole is formed with twelve teeth at equal intervals. The teeth define therebetween twelve recesses at equal intervals. Each tooth has a tip formed with a plane. The plane of the tooth and a tangent of the tooth contain an angle of 15 degrees. A first end of the plane is closer to a center of the fitting hole. A second end of the plane of the tooth is farther from the center of the fitting hole. An arced tooth section is formed on one side of the tooth. The fitting hole can be fitted on various screwing members to wrench the same, and is applicable to both normal and worn screwing members.

Abstract: A driving tool includes a driving stem having two or more outer peripheral grooves, a holding device having a tubular member slidably engaged onto the driving stem, a detent slidably received in the tubular member, and an actuating device having a control ferrule slidably engaged onto the tubular member and having an actuator for selectively actuating the detent to engage with either of the peripheral grooves of the driving stem and for adjustably attaching the tubular member to the driving stem at any selected position and for allowing the user to hold the driving tool at suitable or selected position when the driving stem is driven or rotated relative to the tubular member.

Abstract: The claimed invention relates to an arrangement for securing a handle bar (14) to a portable tool (10). The tool (10) comprises a power source (11) placed in one end of a tube (12) and a working tool placed in the other end of the tube (12). The handle bar (14) is secured to the tube (12) by a holding device (15) placed between the tube (12) and the handle bar (15). A sleeve (16) is placed around the tube (12) and fixed to the tube (12). The inside (25) of the sleeve (16) is shaped to match the cross section of the tube (12) and the outside (18) has a non-circular shape. The sleeve (16) is at least partially surrounded by a layer (19) of an elastic material and the holding device (15) is provided with a cavity (21) with a similar shape as the outside (18) of the sleeve (16) clamped around the sleeve (16) and the layer (19) of elastic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pair of pressing jaws for hydraulic or electric pressing tools for pressing fittings onto pipes or for the press connection of electric cables, the two pressing jaws being disposed for rotation about a common axis and each pressing jaw forming a bearing eye for this purpose. In order to configure a pair of pressing jaws of the type in question in a more functionally advantageous manner, it is proposed that each pressing jaw forms two bearing eyes with coaxial bearing openings, and the bearing eyes are disposed in an interengaging manner in the assembled state.

Abstract: The method is used for automated tightening of a screwed joint (16), which is fitted to a component (10) in advance and contains a screw (12) and a nut (14), using a programmable industrial robot system (18). In this case, the invention provides that the industrial robot system (18) has a first robot (20) with a screw driving head (22) and a second robot (24) with a mating holding head (26). In order to tighten the screwed joint (16) on the component (10), the screw driving head (22) is positioned in a defined screw driving position, and the mating holding head (26) is positioned in a defined mating holding position in order to produce an interlocking connection, which is suitable for tightening of the screwed joint (16), between the mating holding head (26) and the nut (14), as well as between the screw driving head (22) and the screw (12). The screwed joint (16) on the component (10) is tightened with a predeterminable fixing torque. The interlocking connections are then disconnected.

Abstract: The fastener of this application is designed to facilitate the insertion of rotating power driven tools into the fastener recess. The recess of this fastener generally uses spirally configured driving surfaces and is formed in a counterbore in the upper surface of the fastener. The driving lobes have upper surfaces that are depressed a distance into the counterbore. A ramp surface is formed on each of the upper surfaces that causes a spinning bit to fall into the recess in an engaged manner. The ramp surfaces are constructed with both removal and installation ramp portions.

Abstract: A hydraulic torque wrench system automates the tightening process by continuously operating the torque wrench to alternately advance and retract the wrench cylinder when the advance actuator is held by the operator until the desired pressure or torque is reached. If the advance actuator is released by the operator, the wrench retracts fully and stops advancing. If the advance actuator is not pressed for a period of time while the pump is running, the pump is automatically turned off. The pump can be turned off when the fastener has been tightened to the desired torque or pressure set point, or the pump can continue running in which event the reduction in duration of the alternation cycle between advancement and retraction of the torque wrench cylinder will audibly and visibly signal the operator that the fastener stopping point has been reached.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to band saw blades often used for cutting wood at a sawmill. A band saw blade has teeth, and at least one tooth has a back angle that is greater than the back angle of conventional band saw blades. The greater back angle results in teeth having a smaller tooth angle so that the teeth make deeper penetration into wood or other materials that are cut by the blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing portions of food, and also to a device for slicing food and to a method for separating slices from a block of food.

Abstract: A material puller assembly for use with a sawing machine for pulling material away from the saw cutting area includes horizontal support means for supporting material fed from an in-feed shuttle assembly, through the saw cutting area and toward the puller assembly. The puller assembly uses a first horizontal side support member along which movement of a vertically-disposed support means is provided. The vertically-disposed support means includes means for clamping a piece of material between a vertically-movable upper clamp jaw and a vertically-stationary lower clamp jaw. The vertically-disposed support means and the clamp jaws are horizontally movable along the first side support member. Rotatably suspended between the first and second side support members are a number of support rollers. At least one of the support rollers includes an axial contour matching the contour of the vertically-stationary lower clamp jaw such that the lower clamp jaw can pass over the roller.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to make an entire system compact and provide a substrate cutting system capable of efficiently cutting a variety of substrates. A substrate cutting system according to the present invention includes: pair of scribing line forming means arranged facing each other; pair of scribing devices for supporting the pair of scribing forming line means such that one of the pair of scribing forming line means moves on a first surface of a substrate in an X axial direction and the other of the pair of scribing forming means moves on a second surface of the substrate in the X axial direction; a scribing device guide body for supporting the pair of scribing devices such that the pair of scribing devices moves in a Y axial direction; and a substrate supporting means for supporting the substrate in an X-Y plane such that the pair of scribing forming line means scribes the first surface of the substrate and the second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A miter saw has a base assembly, a table assembly assembly rotatably attached to the base assembly, and a drive assembly pivotally attached to the table assembly. The drive assembly has a motor and a blade driven by the motor. The miter saw also has a fence assembly attached to the base assembly. The fence assembly has a workpiece supporting surface for supporting a workpiece and a movable member for moving the workpiece off the workpiece supporting surface.

Abstract: A miter saw has a base, a turntable, a cutting unit, and a support unit. The base supports a workpiece thereon. The base has an rotation center. The turntable is supported by the base and rotatable about the rotation center. The cutting unit rotatably supports a saw blade. The support unit is provided to the turntable for pivotally movably supporting the cutting unit over the turntable. The turntable has: a main body and an extension member. The main body is provided with an outer periphery and an upper surface having an imaginary line onto which the saw blade is pivoted down. The extension member extends outwardly from the outer periphery in a first direction of the imaginary line for rotating the main body. The extension member is movable with respect to the main body.

Abstract: A miter saw has a base assembly, a table assembly assembly rotatably attached to the base assembly, and a drive assembly pivotally attached to the table assembly. The drive assembly has a motor and a blade driven by the motor. The table assembly has at least one elastic bumper thereon.

Abstract: A sawing machine includes a base and four legs. The legs are connected to a bottom of the base, each of which has a first tube and a second tube, wherein the first tubes are connected to corners of the bottom of the base and the second tubes are detachably connected to the first tube respectively. The base has a storage space to receive the disassembled second tube.

Abstract: A table saw having various embodiments of a measurement and display system. Several embodiments have at least one fence rail on which a removable fence is movably supported and comprise an elongated sensor strip that is located adjacent the fence rail and a sensing unit that is supported and positioned adjacent to the sensor strip and is capable of providing an electrical signal to a display unit that is indicative of the position of the sensor unit relative to the elongated sensor strip. A processing unit is operatively connected to the sensing unit and display unit to provide a digital readout of the position of the sensing unit. A switch is connected to the processing unit and is adapted to provide a zero or reference setting position.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument employs springs to apply tension to corresponding musical strings. Each spring is chosen and configured for its ability to impart a string tension generally matched to the appropriate tension of the string at perfect tune. Preferably, the spring is selected and arranged so that the tension in the string maintains at or near perfect tune even as the string elongates or contracts over time. In one embodiment, once a string is placed in appropriate tune, a mechanical visual indicator is set. As such, if tune of the string changes due to string elongation or contraction, the change is reflected by misalignment of the mechanical visual indicator even if the change cannot be aurally detected. Perfect tune can be reestablished by realigning the indicator. In another embodiment, a force modulating member is interposed between a spring and its corresponding musical string.

Abstract: A tailpiece for a banjo with individual string adjustment control for independently adjusting the string angle of the banjo strings with respect to the bridge. The tailpiece includes a mounting bracket having a bearing plate and an attachment means for attaching the tailpiece to the banjo head. A separate lever arm is provided for attaching each of the banjo strings to the tailpiece and setting the string angle with respect to the bridge. Each lever arm has an a pin for attaching to the loop at the end of the banjo string, an angled bore to permit the banjo string to pass from the top surface of the lever arm to the bottom surface of the lever arm, and a groove at the end of the lever arm to prevent the string from sliding off of the lever arm. Each lever arm is attached to the mounting bracket by a pivot joint. Screws are provided on the lever arm to adjust the standoff of the lever arm with respect to the bearing plate, thereby adjusting the string angle with respect to the bridge.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the tension of the strings of a guitar having at least two strings, particularly an electric guitar or a bass, particularly an electric bass, in which each string of the guitar or bass is, with one end, wound on a turning peg of an adjusting mechanism mounted on the neck of the guitar or of the bass. The adjusting mechanism contains a combination consisting of a worm shaft and of a worm wheel and, due to these, is provided with a self-locking ability. The aim of the invention is to improve the design of a device of the aforementioned type so that, without considerably altering the basic shape of the guitar or of the bass, this device can automatically adjust the tension of individual strings of the instrument reliably and precisely whereby ultimately enabling them to be tuned. To this end, a drive unit for each adjusting mechanism is mounted on the neck of the guitar or of the bass.

Abstract: A tremolo device with a movable bridge, an adjustment device, and a support frame is implemented on an acoustic guitar, with features that can also be employed on an electric guitar or other stringed instruments. The movable bridge holds strings of the musical instrument in tension. The adjustment device, such as a tremolo bar, moves the bridge to change the tension of the strings. The support frame engages the bridge at a first area and engages the musical instrument at a larger second area. When the tremolo device is used, the support frame receives a force over the first area and transmits a corresponding force to the musical instrument over the larger second area, reducing the pressure that would be experienced by the musical instrument. The support frame also transmits string vibration received through the bridge to the instrument body to produce proper acoustic tones.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument employs springs to apply tension to corresponding musical strings. Each spring is chosen and configured for its ability to impart a string tension generally matched to the appropriate tension of the string at perfect tune. Preferably, the spring is selected and arranged so that the tension in the string maintains at or near perfect tune even as the string elongates or contracts over time. In one embodiment, once a string is placed in appropriate tune, a mechanical visual indicator is set. As such, if tune of the string changes due to string elongation or contraction, the change is reflected by misalignment of the mechanical visual indicator even if the change cannot be aurally detected. Perfect tune can be reestablished by realigning the indicator. In another embodiment, a force modulating member is interposed between a spring and its corresponding musical string.

Abstract: A coiled blank defines two elongated parallel bands and a parallel web separating the bands. Opposite ends of the web form diagonally opposed spacer strips arranged such that, when the blank is coiled to bring the ends of the web into juxtaposition, the opposed spacer strips define between themselves an open triangle having a base lying along an edge of one of the bands. Preferably the triangle base lies along the band of greater thickness in the coiled configuration. A second embodiment provides three parallel bands and two webs. When the second blank is coiled, the second web also forms an open triangle with exposed base between opposed diagonal end spacer strips at its juxtaposed opposite ends.

Abstract: A keyboard unit (10) comprising a plurality of keys (12) surrounding a centre (14) and operable singly and chordally by a single finger (or thumb). Preferred arrangements consist of three, four or seven surrounding keys (12), particularly for playing musical notes of an octave. A keyboard (16) may comprise a plurality of spaced apart units (10) in groups (18) operable by respective fingers. The different units (10) may operate different instrumental sounds. Variations include shift functions, operation of lights, e.g. in mixed sequence with notes, operation of alphanumeric characters, e.g. to produce up to a 10-character word or grouping simultaneously. The keyboard (16) may be on the back of a guitar neck (30) or arranged to correspond to the keys on a piano. Logical circuitry and mosaic and adapted QWERTY keyboards are described, also a piano keyboard with phantom black notes.