Abstract: The present invention is a substance displacement device. The device includes a sensing unit which is positioned in a drill hole or otherwise within the substance, such as soil or rock. A measurement device is connected to the sensing unit to measure changes in resistance caused by deformation of the sensing device. A control device connected to the measuring device determines whether the change in resistance exceeds a threshold, and thus activates an alarm. The sensing device preferably includes a fixed resistance device across its terminations to enable the establishing of a baseline resistance. The sensing device may include an electrical element or an optical element. The alarm can be any suitable type of alarm.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for estimating or predicting residual strains resulting from metal formation. The method includes determining parameters indicative of physical and spatial characteristics of elements representing a formed metal part. A maximum plastic strain resulting from the metal forming processes is then estimated, as a function of the physical and spatial characteristics of a first one of the elements and a subset of the elements.

Abstract: A low cost force sensor package and a method of forming such a package. The force sensor has a housing or package, such as a surface mount technology package (SMT), and a piezo resistive silicon die, or other force sensing element, carried on the housing or package. An actuator is operably coupled to the force sensing element for transferring force to the sensing element in response to receiving a force from an external source. The force sensing element is configured to sense the external force and generate an output signal representing the force. A signal conditioner is also carried on the housing for receiving the output signal. When the signal conditioner is electrically coupled to the force sensing element, the signal conditioner can condition the output signal and generate a conditioned output.

Abstract: An arrangement for detecting a load bearing failure includes a primary load-carrying system for bearing axially translatably a coaxial load, said primary load-carrying system having a rotor portion and an axially displaceable stator portion. A plurality of bearing balls is interposed between the rotor and axially displaceable stator portions. A detector, which may include any of a laser measuring, an ultrasonic measuring, or a linear variable transformer or electrical contact detects wear or actual or impending failure of the primary load-carrying system. A secondary load-carrying system may be provided for bearing the coaxial load upon the event of a failure of the primary load-carrying system. The primary load-carrying system is a recirculating ball screw arrangement wherein the plurality of bearing balls is disposed in part in respective helical grooves of the rotor and axially displaceable stator portions. Wear or escape of the bearing balls is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus, for use with a fluid moving device that moves a fluid from a container. The apparatus includes a flowtube having a passage, the flowtube having a first end and a second end. A body is positioned in the passage of the flowtube, and a sensor array comprising at least two sensors is positioned along the length of the flowtube and between the first end and second end of the flowtube. The sensors in the sensor array sense (e.g., detect) the body as the body flows past the sensors. The sensors in the sensor array are adapted to generate signals, and a controller is operatively coupled to the sensor array. The controller is adapted to control the fluid moving device in response to the signals generated by the sensor array.

Abstract: A method for monitoring ventilation in a duct (3) by inserting therein a secondary fan (5) have a low self-contained rotation speed, which method comprises a step of continually measuring an image value (vi) of the current flowing through the motor in order to compare same with a predetermined value and generate a correction signal. The method is particularly useful for ventilating a chamber (2) containing a PEM fuel cell (1).

Abstract: A rotational position measuring device for measuring a rotational position of a rotating shaft includes generating means for generating a sine wave signal and a cosine wave signal according to the rotational position of the rotating shaft; successive calculating means for successively calculating a sum of each square of the sine wave signal and the cosine wave signal generated by the generating means; change calculating means for calculating a change in the sums calculated by the successive calculating means; determining means for determining whether or not the change calculated by the change calculating means exceeds a predetermined value; and means for outputting a rotational position signal or an angular signal of the rotating shaft based on the sine wave signal and the cosine wave signal; wherein an abnormality signal is outputted when the determining means determines that the calculated change exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: This magnetostrictive torque sensor includes: a shaft made of a magnetized material; a magnetostrictive portion provided on the shaft at a position distanced for a predetermined length from an end of the shaft; a detection coil that is arranged so as to face the magnetostrictive portion, and detects a change in a magnetic characteristic of the magnetostrictive portion; and a plating made of an nonmagnetic material, that is provided on the end of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for collecting samples from a flowing stream in which an elongated sampling device including inner and outer concentric, relatively rotatable tubular members is positioned in and extends across the stream. The tubular members each have a longitudinally extending slot at least as long as the transverse width of the stream, with the slots being wider, and preferably at least about three times wider than the dimension of the largest particles contained in the stream. To take a sample, the inner tubular member is rotated to position its slot facing upstream, then the outer tubular member is rotated to position its slot in alignment with the slot in the inner tubular member to permit material from the stream to flow into the inner tubular simultaneously across the full width of the stream. When samples are not being taken, at least the outer tubular member is rotated to so that its slot faces downstream.

Abstract: A discrete volume vacuum sampling device is provided with a vacuum tube, a sample tube, and a sample container. The container defines a discrete volume of product to be sampled from a product bed within a processing machine. The sampler tube extends between the container and the machine containing the product to be sampled. When a vacuum is applied through the vacuum tube, a door on the container is pulled shut, thereby increasing air velocity in the sampler tube, so as to draw product from the bed upwardly through the sampler tube and into the container. When the container is full, the vacuum is stopped, such that the weight of the product in the container pushes the door open for discharge of the discrete volume of product sample, while product remaining within the sampler tube is discharged back into the bed of material within the machine.

Abstract: In many miniaturized high-throughput assays, effective stirring is difficult to achieve, and its consequences difficult to predict. Most microtitre plate-based in vitro assays of membrane permeability, such as Caco-2 and PAMPA, of sparingly soluble lipophilic test compounds in pharmaceutical research and development report permeability of water, and not of the intended membrane barrier. This is so because the aqueous boundary layer on both sides of the membrane barrier is rate limiting for these highly permeable molecules. The thickness of this water layer can be 1500-4000 ?m in unstirred assays. Under in vivo conditions, however, the aqueous boundary layer is believed to be 30-100 ?m thick in the intestine, and <1 ?m at the blood-brain barrier. Using plate shakers to stir microtitre plates cannot lower the thickness of the water layer to match that found in vivo.

Abstract: System and method for detecting and measuring chemical perturbations in a sample. The system and method are useful for non-invasive pH monitoring of blood or blood products sealed in storage bags.

Abstract: A process condition measuring device has electronic components sandwiched between two conductive substrate portions. The conductive substrate portions are joined by an electrically conductive pathway. Native oxide is removed from substrate portions and electrically conductive contact pads are formed that are then joined together with electrically conductive adhesive to form the electrically conductive pathway.

Abstract: A process condition measuring device has electronic components sandwiched between two conductive substrate portions. The conductive substrate portions are joined by an electrically conductive pathway. Native oxide is removed from substrate portions and electrically conductive contact pads are formed that are then joined together with electrically conductive adhesive to form the electrically conductive pathway. Sensors may be located on the exterior of the process condition measuring device with conductive leads extending to shielded electronic components.

Abstract: An escape wheel is disclosed having a direction of rotation, defining an upstream direction and a downstream direction, that may be configured to be used in an escape mechanism. The wheel may include a hub, a felly mounted to the hub, and at least one tooth disposed radially on the felly. Each tooth may include a stem that terminates in a finger. The finger may include a first part having a first thickness on the side of the felly, and a second part having a smaller second thickness disposed on the side of an end of the finger. The boundary between the first and second parts may define a threshold that is configured to form an oil container together with the face of the second part adjacent thereto.

Abstract: Relates to a carrier (1) for positioning objects (5), which are oriented essentially vertically in the Z direction of a coordinate system, in relation to laboratory articles. These objects (5) are each individually received on a Z rod (12) and each of these Z rods (12) is oriented essentially identically as these objects (5) and is situated so it is movable along an axis running essentially horizontally in the Y direction of this coordinate system. These Z rods (12) are implemented as movable essentially vertically, in that they have teeth (16) which are engaged with a drive wheel (17), driven by a motor, of a Z drive of the carrier (1) comprising at least one profiled rod (18), which is situated essentially horizontally and in the Y direction. All Z rods (12) comprise a Z guide (43), situated on a cage (10) carrying the individual drive wheel (17), on which the Z rod (12) is guided in the Z direction by sliding.

Abstract: An inexpensive and high efficiency power transmission method and device with a simple structure for converting a rotational motion into a linear motion in accordance with a load is provided. A feed screw (21) and a female screw (22) having a larger diameter than the feed screw are engaged in an eccentric manner. A counterforce from a work is detected by a helical spring (28). Then, rotation restraint of the female screw (22) engaged in an eccentric manner is released, and the female screw (22) is rotated. The feed screw (21) and the female screw (22) rotate in a differential manner so that traveling speed is decreased and that pressing force is increased.

Abstract: A ball screw unit with dust cleaning and turnpike fixing mechanism includes an annular inlaid slot along the inner surface of a nut proper proximate to the port of a turnpike. A fixed dust scrape formed of a C shaped annular packing is installed in the annular inlaid slot. The C shaped annular packing is covered with a soft covering layer at its inner fringe and the outer fringe of the soft covering layer is just stuffed in the annular inlaid slot of the nut proper. Inner fringe of the soft covering layer is formed into a spiral scraper blade corresponding to the rolling spiral slot of the screw blot. The fixed dust scraper is tightly fixing the turnpike to the nut proper by means of the resiliency of the soft covering layer to clean the dust along the rolling spiral slot with its spiral scraper blade thereby serving as a dust cleaner.

Abstract: A transmission comprises an input shaft, an output shaft assembly, cylinder arm assemblies; and a rod-translation system. The input shaft comprises opposing input shaft ends, a rotation transmissive portion, and an axis of rotation. The transmissive portion extends intermediate the input shaft ends for transferring engine-originated rotational motion to the transmission assembly. The arm assemblies are concentric about the axis of rotation and comprise opposing arm ends, and an inner arm diameter. First arm ends are each independently geared to the transmissive portion via the inner arm diameters. The output shaft assembly comprises a stepped ring and an output shaft. The rod-translation system functions to translate a series of rods intermediate an arm-engaged position and an arm-disengaged position. First rod ends engage an output arm end when in the arm-engaged position for imparting rotational movement from the output arm end to the output shaft via the stepped ring.

Abstract: A transfer case includes a two-speed range unit, a friction clutch, a power-operated actuation mechanism and a control system. The actuation mechanism includes an electric motor, a geartrain driven by the motor for controlling rotation of an actuator shaft, a range actuator assembly and a mode actuator assembly. The range actuator assembly functions to move a shift collar associated with the range unit in response to rotation of the actuator shaft. The mode actuator assembly includes a mode cam and a ballramp unit. The mode cam is rotatively driven by the actuator shaft for controlling the clutch engagement force exerted on the friction clutch by the ballramp unit.

Abstract: A splash guard mechanism of a gear position sensor for a motorcycle protects the gear position sensor without providing a special cover. In an engine of a motorcycle where a gear position sensor that senses a shift stage selected by a shift drum protrudes sideways in the vicinity of a driving sprocket for driving a rear wheel by a crankcase that holds a crankshaft, a splash guard mechanism of the gear position sensor is configured by a splash guard formed on a sprocket cover that covers the driving sprocket from the side and arranged between the gear position sensor and the driving sprocket, and a rib protrudes from the reverse side of the driving sprocket with the gear position sensor between them in the crankcase.

Abstract: A positioning device with position-indicating capability includes: a slide-mounting part formed with a plurality of retaining holes and having a contacting wall that is formed with a plurality of recessed portions corresponding respectively to the retaining holes; a slider slidable on the slide-mounting part; an engaging member having an engaging protrusion capable of releasably engaging or disengaging a selected one of the retaining holes and co-slidable with the slider; and a position-indicating unit co-slidable with the slider and including a spring arm that has a free end in sliding contact with a corresponding one of the recessed portions of the contacting wall when the engaging protrusion is aligned with the selected retaining hole.

Abstract: A gear box assembly as used in an inverted portal axle or transfer case includes a drive gear and at least one driven gear in meshing engagement with the drive gear at a contact point. A gear housing closely surrounds portions of an outer circumference of the drive and driven gears to form a baffle area. The gear housing includes an discharge orifice that is located near the contact point and a fluid gallery that extends from the discharge orifice to other locations within the gear housing. As the drive gear drives the driven gear, fluid is pumped into the discharge orifice and through the fluid gallery to fluid outlets positioned at desired locations to lubricate other gear box components. Radial inlets with elongated chamfers and stator vanes can be formed within the gear housing to draw air ingested during pumping away from the discharge orifice. Additionally, a bypass loop can be used to scavenge unwanted air ingested into meshing gear teeth.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drive spindle (1) for the main drive of a rolling stand, which has: a first shaft (3) for transmitting torque from a drive motor (2) to a coupling element, especially to a multiple spline profile, and a second shaft (5) for transmitting the torque from the coupling element, especially the multiple spline profile, via a swivel joint (4) to a roll (6) of the rolling stand, wherein the swivel joint (4) has a wobbler (7), which is rotationally rigidly connected with the roll (6), and a second spindle head (8), which is rotationally rigidly connected with the second shaft (5), and wherein the rotational connection between the wobbler (7) and the spindle head (8) is produced by sliding bearings and a journal (9), which is rotationally rigidly connected with the spindle head (8) but is supported in a way that allows an angle of inclination (?) between the axis of rotation (10) of the roll (6) and the axis of rotation (11) of the second shaft (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resilient, non-rubberoid composition which can be cut to form an impenetrable barrier along a corrugated metal sheet joint to prevent egress of hot, noxious, gases from the interior of the building formed by such sheets. The joint closure material is permanently flexible and therefore resists cracking from vibration experienced in such environments. The method of inserting this material and sealing the joints consists of shaping the material, applying an elastomeric material to the surface of the seam to which a seal is to be made, applying the joint material and joining the two sheets with screws which penetrate both the sheets as well as the filler material. The use of elastomeric heat resistant material seals the entirety of the seam and prevents egress of the gases through the joint.

Abstract: A melt of nickel nitrate hydrate is introduced as droplets or liquid flow into a heated reaction vessel and thermally decomposed in a gas phase at a temperature of 1200° C. or more and at an oxygen partial pressure equal to or below the equilibrium oxygen pressure of nickel-nickel oxide at that temperature to manufacture a highly crystalline fine nickel powder with an extremely narrow particle size distribution. The oxygen partial pressure during the thermal decomposition is preferably 10?2 Pa or less, and a metal other than nickel, a semimetal and/or a compound of these may be added to the nickel nitrate hydrate melt to manufacture a highly crystalline nickel alloy powder or highly crystalline nickel composite powder. The resultant powder is suited in particular to thick film pastes such as conductor pastes for manufacturing ceramic multilayer electronic components.

Abstract: The present invention is a bacteria and nutrient delivery composition containing bran. The subject composition is preferably made in the form of a tablet that is structurally stable without being excessively hard. The tablets preferably have a configuration that reduces the likelihood of premature shearing in tableting presses or jamming in feeder devices for biomass generators. Methods of manufacturing the bacterial delivery composition in a structurally stable form that maintains bacterial viability are also provided.

Abstract: Device for straightening the teeth of a band saw blade (1) with a measuring device (4) for measuring the bending of the individual teeth relative to the tooth root and setting pliers (5) arranged at a distance behind the measuring device in the travel direction of the saw blade to form the tooth back into the plane of the saw blade.

Abstract: A tool includes a tool bit and a tool handle. The tool handle is coupled detachably to the tool bit, and includes a handle member, a lid unit, and a tool holder unit. The handle member defines an accommodating space, and an opening that is in spatial communication with the accommodating space. The lid unit serves to cover the opening in the handle member. The tool holder unit is mounted on the lid unit for holding the tool bit, and is mounted on the lid unit such that the tool holder unit is received in the accommodating space when the lid unit covers the opening in the handle member and such that the tool holder unit is disposed externally of the handle member when the lid unit uncovers the opening in the handle member.

Abstract: A spark plug installation and removal wrench comprising a short socket with a handle pivotally attached to the socket, forming a compact assembly that can access spark plugs in tight spaces. The socket may be rotated on the pivot axis to slip over the spark plug and down to engage and drive the spark plug. Lateral force on the handle may then rotate the socket to install or remove the spark plug. In one embodiment, the handle pivot axis may run through a clearance space for the spark plug, and the handle may have a U shape to avoid interference with the spark plug. An embodiment is disclosed wherein the handle may be attached with roll pins, rivets, screws or other pivot attachment hardware.

Abstract: A three-dimensional angle-adjusted hand tool comprises a handle; a pivotal portion; and a driving portion. A pivotal structure is installed between the driving portion and the pivotal portion and a rotating structure is installed between the handle and the pivotal portion. Or the pivotal structure is installed between the pivotal portion and the handle and the rotation structure is installed between the pivotal portion and the driving portion. By the pivotal structure and the rotation structure, the orientation of the hand tool can be adjusted three-dimensionally. Furthermore, it is possible that each of two ends of the handle has a pivotal portion and a driving portion.

Abstract: A multi-bit driver comprises a housing and a plurality of bit assemblies operatively retained within the housing. At least one of the bit assemblies has a base portion and a tool bit member removably and replaceably mountable on the base portion. A bit chuck in the housing is for receiving each tool bit member singularly in torque transmitting relation, and includes a bit-receiving opening for permitting each tool bit member singularly to extend therethrough. The housing includes a substantially transparent forward portion that permits viewing of the tool bit members. An actuator extends from each bit assembly exteriorly to the housing for operative engagement by a user, for co-operative movement of the actuator means and the bit assembly between a retracted configuration, a forwardly extended in-use configuration.

Abstract: A torque intensifying tool for tightening and loosening threaded connectors has at least one torque intensifier means having a torque intensifier housing portion, having input means and having a first output means and a second output means, a drive operatively connected with the input means for transmitting a torque from the drive through the intensifying means to a threaded connector, so that in one mode of operation the torque intensifier housing portion together with the first and the second output means turn in the same direction and the same speed and torque as the input means, and in another mode of operation the torque intensifier housing portion together with one of the first and second output means receives a turning force in one direction while the other one of the first and second output means receives an equal turning force in the opposite direction at a lower speed but higher torque than the input means, and so that one of the first and second output means turns in the one mode and in the another

Abstract: There is provided a precision roll turning lathe which can not only machine with high precision circumferential transverse grooves in the peripheral surface of a roll but can also machine with high precision longitudinal grooves in the peripheral surface.

Abstract: A windshield removal assembly, method and blade for same, with the thin metal blade having a unique delta-shape. The blade connects at its narrowed shank portion to the shaft of a reciprocating power tool. The blade has front and rear ends, the front end being substantially straight and wider than the blade rear end. The top edge of the blade forms a non-sharpened top edge on the front end and arc portions, while the bottom edge of the blade forms a sharpened bottom cutting edge which extends across the front end of the blade and along at least half of the arc portions. The blade has sufficient rigidity to cut the urethane bed when reciprocated, and sufficient lateral flexibility to conform to the curved surface of the windshield when pressed thereagainst.

Abstract: A device for processing workpieces using ultrasound, comprises an ultrasound oscillating structure and an anvil with a counter tool, wherein the ultrasound oscillating structure has an ultrasound sonotrode which can be moved by a carriage in the axial direction thereof and in the direction of the counter tool. A force storage is provided for the counter tool to urge the counter tool with a force towards the ultrasound sonotrode. The invention also concerns a method for operating such a device.

Abstract: To obtain a high-quality billet with a minimum amount of deformation, the billet is borne in an optimum condition during cutting. When moved downward, a movable cutting tool 4 begins to cut into stock while causing a distortion to the stock. At this time, a billet bearing shoe 15 bears the billet from below. When a ram 2 further moves downward, a projecting cam 26 moves along an inclined surface 24 of a recessed cam 23 on a shoe support shaft 17 against the force of coned disk springs 30. Upon completion of the fracture of the billet, the projecting cam 26 sliding along the inclined surface 24 runs onto the outer peripheral surface of the shoe support shaft 17, and the billet bearing shoe 15 withdraws so that the billet can drop.

Abstract: A device for the cutting out of flat material blanks from flat material sheets is described, which has a cutting roller and a counter roller working together with it, that form a roller gap into which the flat material sheets can be inserted for the cutting out of flat material blanks, whereby a residual material is produced. This device should be further configured in such a way that on the one hand it is connected with the least possible device expenditure, and on the other hand is not limited in its application to flat material sheets with a specified minimum length.

Abstract: A die cutter blanket assembly includes a plastic sheet material member and a sheet metal liner that has an array of preferably dome shaped dimples molded to the plastic sheet material member, the liner being attached to the member by bonding during the molding process. The dimples permit the plastic material to flow therebetween on a side of the liner opposite the sheet material member to encapsulate the liner with the plastic material as the liner and plastic sheet member are molded. The resulting blanket assembly is more flexible and easier to install on an anvil cylinder than prior blanket assemblies which comprise conventional flat metal liners without the encapsulation.

Abstract: An integrated mechanical stop and securing apparatus for the safe positioning and securing of a short cut-off workpiece in close proximity to a cutting tool during a cutting operation. The mechanical stop is attached to a fence, work surface or similar structure using a moveable clamp. The workpiece stop further includes a pivotally attached securing member that abuts a surface of a workpiece during a cutting operation involving a relatively short cut-off. Biasing force for the securing member is provided by an operator grasping a handle on the securing member. Increased safety is provided when the stop device maintains the operator's hands outside of the effective cutting area of the power tool, while providing an accurate and reliable stop to index the cut.

Abstract: A desktop hole punch device for punching holes in stacked sheet media such as paper is disclosed. The hole punch device includes at least one adjustable, laterally extending arm having markings thereon indicating standard office paper sizes. The markings are visible to the user through a window in the device. An edge guide at the distal end of the arm aligns the stack of sheet media and a curved page lifter extending from the edge guide reverses the natural curl in the paper stack for better and more precise hole punching.

Abstract: A knife assembly includes a knife plate with a leading edge, and a cutting element cemented to the leading edge via a brazing process. The knife plate is heat-treated after the cutting element is cemented to the leading edge so as to form a heat-treatment area on the leading edge. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a knife assembly including, forming a leading edge on a side of a knife plate, forming a slot in the leading edge, inserting, into the slot, an insert, brazing the insert to the knife plate after the insert is inserted into the slot, and heat-treating at least a portion of the knife plate after the brazing.

Abstract: A press for the manufacture of dimensionally stable compacts from powdered material, characterized by the features of a press frame having vertically adjustable columns and cross-connections, a die retainer plate, at least one upper ram retaining plate, at least one lower ram retaining plate, a guide column outside a press main axis which has two parallel guideways on which all retainer plates are adapted to be guided vertically on one side or be selectively locatable, wherein the lower end of the guide column is fixedly coupled to a frame-mounted lower plate and the upper end is located on the press frame, an upper adjustable drive adapted to be located on the press frame, for the upper retaining plate (34), a lower adjustable drive (68) for the lower retaining plate (38, 40) and the die retainer plate, if desired, and which is fixed to the frame-mounted lower plate.

Abstract: An improved fixture structure of cutting machine tool being simple in structure and capable of operating the machine tool in stable condition includes a cutting machine tool, a base plate being disposing at the bottom of the cutting machine tool forming at least a salient rib, a fixture device, and a magnet contained in the fixture device. The fixture device has at least a guided rail providing at a side thereof for containing the salient rib of the base plate and providing motion within the guided rail. The cutting machine tool can perform stable motion to execute cutting operation along the fixture device adhered on the ferrite material.

Abstract: A band saw blade guide comprised of a cylindrical chisel shaped member mounted at an oblique angle to a band saw blade. The blade guide adjusts the angle of the band saw blade by rotation of the guide about its axis. By rotating the guide about its axis, the angle of the chisel point guiding surface is changed thereby changing the angle of the blade. Further the blade may be guided by a single guide forced against one surface of the blade thereby eliminating the need for guides on both sides of the blade.

Abstract: A saw blade, such as a bandsaw blade, has a toothform pattern that includes a raker tooth and set teeth. The bandsaw blade teeth are configured such that a distance from a tooth point of the raker tooth to a tooth point of an immediately preceding set tooth is the smallest tooth spacing in the saw blade toothform pattern. With the use of a smaller spacing, the raker tooth removes the smallest chip thickness from a work piece relative to the chip thicknesses removed by the set teeth. This reduces the amount of load imposed on the raker tooth point. In one arrangement, in order to balance the forces on either side of the blade during operation, the saw blade is configured such that an accumulated pitch of the tooth points set to a first side of the blade are substantially equal to the accumulated pitch of the tooth points set to a second opposing side of the blade.

Abstract: An improved percussion instrument, typically a drum (10) of whatever diameter and height, includes a cylindrical body (12) or barrel provided with a drum skin (14) secured to each of its opposite faces through respective rings (16-18) including a plurality of embossed appendixes (28) with an axial hole (30); the upper and lower edges of the mentioned body (12) are bent outwards so as to form respective ring-shaped bands (20-22) with one or more tongues (26) specially designed to cooperate with the mentioned appendixes (28) in stabilizing the rings (16-18).

Abstract: A string musical instrument, such as an electric guitar, comprises a plurality of sound pickups and a user interface which allows the user rapid access to various configurations of pickup settings and connections. An embodiment of the musical instrument has a user interface which allows quick access to all forty-seven possible pickup connections available in a guitar having three single-coil pickups. Another embodiment of the invention allows rapid to access a large number of possible pickup connections made possible with the use of dual coil pickups, or a combination of single-coil and dual-coil pickups on a single guitar. The different pickup configurations are accessed via user operated controls such as clear illuminated momentary buttons or touch pads. Although the musical instrument provides a large number of accessible pickup configurations, a user display makes the determination of the pickup configuration intuitive and relatively simple.

Abstract: A gun turret according to the invention feature a segmented or sectored configuration, which reduces the weight of the individual components of the turret assembly to facilitate mounting of the turret assembly to the roof of the vehicle by a single person. The gun turret features quick-release clamps or latches by means of which the gun turret can be attached to the roof of a vehicle without tools.

Abstract: The adapter is designed to receive an outlet end (23) of the cartridge (20) and an inlet end (32) of the induction device (30), as well as a seal (11) between the two ends (23, 32). The seal (11) includes an annular transverse portion (53) intended to be interposed between the two ends (23, 32) and the material of the seal (11) is selected from the group consisting of compressible and flexible materials.