Abstract: A closure system for a motor vehicle includes a pinion and a pair of U-shaped, flat sliders. The pinion is engaged to a drive shaft to rotate in a first rotational direction and an opposite second rotational direction in response to the drive shaft rotating. Each slider has an inner leg and an outer leg connected at one end to a bridge. The inner surface of each inner leg includes a gear rack. The inner surfaces of the inner legs face one another and surround opposite sides of the pinion such that corresponding portions of the gear racks engage the respective opposite sides of the pinion whereby the sliders are longitudinally displaced away from one another in response to the pinion rotating in the first rotational direction and are longitudinally displaced toward one another in response to the pinion rotating in the second rotational direction.

Abstract: A rotary cable assembly to transmit force through a connection cable connected between a pair of pulleys. At least one of the pulleys includes a hollow pulley unit; and a cable holding unit in the pulley unit and rotatable therein in one direction, the holding unit including a slot, for the cable to sit therein, at its outer surface. The pulley unit is disposed is a housing.

Abstract: A brake system that includes a friction plate composed of inner friction plates and outer friction plates that are arranged alternately in an axial direction; a cylinder portion that is open toward the friction plate in the axial direction; a piston member that slidably fits into an opening portion of the cylinder portion, thereby forming a working oil chamber, and that is pressed and driven away from the cylinder portion in the axial direction by oil pressure supplied to the working oil chamber, thereby pressing the friction plate; a return spring that biases the piston member toward the cylinder portion in the axial direction; and a drum member integrally provided with a drum portion that is in spline engagement with the friction plate, a pressure-receiving portion that is formed in a vertical direction to the axial direction and receives a reaction force of the return spring, and a fixed portion.

Abstract: A ball screw in which surface hardness of balls is higher than both of surface hardness of a ball screw groove of a screw shaft and surface hardness of a ball screw groove of a nut, and a solid lubricant film is formed on a surface of the balls with a thickness of 1 ?m or more and 5 ?m or less. Further, cross-sectional shape of grooves 11 and 21 of a screw shaft 1 and a nut 2 is a Gothic arc. A ratio (R/D) of a radius (R) of the arcuate cross-section of the groove 11 with respect to diameter (D) of balls 2 is set to 51.0% or more and 52.0% or less. The solid lubricant film made of MoS2 is formed on the surface of the balls 3 with a thickness of 0.5 ?m and 3.0 ?m or less.

Abstract: An injection-molded resin face gear that can suppress deterioration of gear accuracy caused by shrinkage of resin material after injection molding and allow accurate and smooth rotation transmission is provided. An injection-molded resin face gear 1 includes a boss 3, a disk-shaped web 4, and a teeth section 5. The boss 3 has an axis hole 2. The web 4 is formed on an outer circumferential side of the boss in an outward radial direction. The teeth section 5 is formed on an outer circumferential edge of the web 4. The teeth section 5 includes a cylindrical section 13, a disk-shaped section 14, and a plurality of teeth 15. The cylindrical section 13 is connected to the outer circumferential edge of the web 4. The disk-shaped section 14 is formed on one end side of the cylindrical section 13 in the outward radial direction. The teeth 15 are formed evenly spaced on an outer circumferential side of the cylindrical section 13 such that one side surface of the disk-shaped section 14 is a bottom land 16.

Abstract: A transmission shifter includes a shift lever, and a knob with attachment clip that mechanically locks the knob atop the lever with a single assembly motion. The clip is located inside a hole in the select knob, and the lever includes a notch near its top. The clip is positioned to flex to facilitate assembly as the lever is inserted into the hole, but then unflex to engage the notch and lock the knob to the lever. To remove the knob from the lever, a removal tool is used to depress the clip, pushing it out of the way and allowing the select knob to be pulled off the lever. The illustrated shifters include a mechanically-actuated pawl actuator system and an electrically-actuated pawl actuator system.

Abstract: A horizontal multijoint type robot is so constructed that it comprises a first arm connected through a first joint shaft to a base, a second arm connected through a second joint shaft to the first arm, and a working shaft provided rotatably and movably up and down on the distal end of the second arm, and that the arm length L1 of the first arm and the arm length L2 of the second arm are equal to each other so that the second arm is able to overlap the first arm.

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly is provided that includes a triple tree integrated with two handlebars. Each of the two handlebars is integrated at a transition region with the triple tree. The triple tree includes two fork-receiving recesses and a neck-receiving top pipe recess. A method including providing such a vehicle steering assembly further having an opening at each of two different locations in the triple tree and a hollow interior including an interior channel communicating with the two openings in the triple tree; and routing a wire through the channel between the two openings.

Abstract: Consequently, since the present invention is constructed as has been described, even when the rider rotates the handlebar to the left or right, the operation can follow the movements of the fingers and automatically oscillate vertically, thereby making it possible to provide a throttle device that exhibits good operability and which is markedly easy to use when compared with conventional throttle devices.

Abstract: A reduction in the size of a housing for containing a magnetic sensor is provided for a throttle device for a vehicle in which the turning amount of a throttle grip is detected by use of the magnetic sensor. An extension part of the throttle grip is provided at its outer periphery with an enlarged diameter part for holding magnets of the magnetic sensor. A right switch box is provided with Hall sensors of the magnetic sensor, and the enlarged diameter part and each of the Hall sensors are opposed to each other in the axial direction of a right handle bar. The throttle grip is urged toward the throttle full-closing position by a grip urging mechanism. The throttle full-closing position is maintained by only an urging force exerted from the grip urging mechanism.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal assembly that provides a hysteresis in pedal force-response upon actuation is provided. The accelerator pedal assembly includes a housing, an elongated pedal arm terminating at one end in a rotatable drum defining a curved braking surface, a brake pad having a curved contact surface substantially complementary to the braking surface and a bias spring device operably situated between the pedal arm and the brake pad. The pedal arm is rotatably mounted to the housing such that the curved braking surface rotates as the pedal moves. The brake pad defines a primary pivot axis and is pivotably mounted for frictional engagement with the braking surface. The bias spring serves to urge the contact surface of the brake pad into frictional engagement with the braking surface of the drum.

Abstract: The pawl locking device of an adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat serves for adjusting two parts of said motor vehicle seat in one direction of adjustment. It has at least three stopper parts that are elastically biased independent of each other in a locking position by one stopper spring each. Said stopper parts each comprise one stopper tooth, one actuation end and one bearing hole. The longitudinal adjustment device further has a bearing shaft that extends in the direction of adjustment and through the bearing hole of said stopper parts.

Abstract: [Object] An object is to provide an assist grip for an operator to easily ride on/off an operation section. [Solution] An assist grip 31 for supporting a weight of an operator riding on/off an operation section 4 is disposed in front of a steering wheel 11 so as to overlap steering wheel 11 when viewed in front.

Abstract: A protection guard for vehicle handlebar, which is mounted on a handlebar, includes a fixing arm having an arm body mounted on the handlebar, an arm-to-bracket conjunction portion formed on another end opposite to the handlebar; an adjusting bracket having a bracket body formed of “L” shape, a bracket-to-arm conjunction portion formed on an end of the bracket body, at least two thread holes formed on the bracket-to-arm conjunction portion, a bracket-to-cover joining portion formed on another end, the arm-to-bracket conjunction portion of the fixing arm is threaded to one of the thread holes; and a cover having a cover body, a cover-to-bracket joining portion formed on the cover body and connected to the bracket-to-cover joining portion of the adjusting bracket; thereby, when the adjusting bracket turned around or moved to change the position of the thread hole relative to the arm-to-bracket conjunction portion of the fixing arm, the cover then having variety locating position relative to the handlebar.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a rim assembly having a pair of preformed half-shells secured to the steering wheel skeleton. Each half-shell includes an annular rigid substrate having an outer surface bordered by an inner and an outer peripheral edge, and a cover that overlies both the substrate's outer surface and its peripheral edges. When the two half-shells are mounted to the skeleton, the covered peripheral edges abut one another to provide finished inner and outer peripheral seams on the rim. Nonfunctional stitching in the covers, advantageously provided prior to covering the substrates, cooperate to simulate a functionally-stitched seam on the finished rim assembly. A decorative trim element, such as a trim ring, is mechanically captured between the opposed peripheral edges of the two half-shells. An internal passage defined within the rim assembly is advantageously used in conjunction with a Peltier device to heat and cool the rim assembly.

Abstract: The speed reduction type starter for engines comprises the engaging part 34 arranged in the perimeter of two internal gears 25 and 29 used for a set of speed reducers coaxially, the magnetic coil 35 that drives the engaging part 34 to the direction of the anti-motor side, and the return spring 37 that pushes the engaging part 34 to the direction of the motor side When the magnetic coil 35 is in the OFF state, the engaging part 34 is pushed to the motor side by the return spring 37 to engage with the 1st internal gear 25 mechanically, so that the rotation of the 1st internal gear 25 is regulated and the 1st reduction ratio is selected. On the other hand, when the magnetic coil 35 is in the state of ON, the engaging part 34 is moved to the anti-motor side to engage with the 2nd internal gear 29, so that the rotation of the 2nd internal gear 29 is regulated and the 2nd reduction ratio is selected.

Abstract: Graphite electrodes for the production of aluminum by carbothermic reduction of alumina are either submerged in the molten bath in the low temperature compartment or they are horizontally arranged in the side walls of the high temperature compartment. The electrodes are manufactured by using a mixture of coke particles covering the complete particle size range between 25 ?m to 3 mm and by using an intensive mixer to effectively wet all coke particles with pitch. The electrodes have a flexural strength of at least 20 N/mm2. By using a complete range (continuum) of particle sizes in conjunction with an intensive mixer, the geometric packing of the particles is significantly improved, hence the material density is increased and thus a higher mechanical strength as well as improved electrical conductivity in comparison to conventional graphite electrodes is achieved.

Abstract: The structural integrity of a metal powder body during heat treatment is enhanced by the in situ formation of metal nanoparticles. The nanoparticles bond to one another and to the metal powder particles of the powder body during heat treatment to provide strength to the powder body prior to the operation of the physical phenomena which transform the powder body into a coherent article. The precursor or precursors from which the nanoparticles are derived are preferably metal salts which are added to the powder or powder body in the form of a solution. The use of conventional binders is optional.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixed powder for powder metallurgy containing an iron-base powder and a carbon supply component, in which the carbon supply component contains a graphite powder and a carbon black, and in which a mixing ratio of the graphite powder to the carbon black is in the range of 25 to 85 parts by weight to 75 to 15 parts by weight; and a mixed powder for powder metallurgy containing an iron-base powder and a carbon supply component, in which the carbon supply component contains, as a main component, a carbon black having a dibutyl phthalate absorption of 60 mL/100 g or less and a nitrogen absorption specific surface area of 50 m2/g or less. The mixed powder for powder metallurgy of the invention is less in the dust generation and segregation of the carbon supply component. Additionally, when the mixed powder for powder metallurgy of the invention is used, a green compact and a sintered body excellent in the mechanical property can be produced.

Abstract: The main object of the present invention is to provide an InSb nanoparticle to be dispersed independently, InSb nanoparticle dispersion and a method for producing an InSb nanoparticle. The object of the present invention is achieved by providing an InSb nanoparticle having an average particle size in a range of 2 nm to 200 nm, capable of being dispersed and to be dispersed independently in a dispersion medium.

Abstract: A bulk sample is fed with a liquid into a mixing tank (1) where it is stirred to form a dispersion. A proportion of the dispersion is recycled from the bottom of the tank through a line to the top of the tank so that at least the dispersion in the recycle loop (3) is substantially homogeneous, and a representative sample of the dispersion is taken from the recycle loop, e.g. using a slurry sampler (5).

Abstract: In a method for producing an alloy containing a metal of a low melting point, a low boiling point and a high vapor pressure such as Mg, Ca, Li, Zn, Mn, Sr or the like, a helium containing gas is used as an atmosphere gas for the melting. As a result, the alloy containing the above metal can be produced as an alloy having a targeted chemical composition precisely and safely at a low cost without causing the risk of firing, contamination or the like by active metal fine powder being vaporized. Furthermore, by using the helium containing gas as the atmosphere gas, the quench-solidification of the molten metal can be conducted due to a high thermal conductivity inherent to the helium gas, so that a special alloy can be produced even by the usual melting apparatus.

Abstract: The proposed invention relates to methods of precious metal recovery and may be applied to the recovery of precious metals from various types of mineral raw source materials containing chlorides of alkali and earth metals, e.g. collective concentrate produced from clay-salt residue of potassium production, or marker clays, etc. This method includes chlorinating roasting of the collective concentrate produced during enrichment of the material with residual chlorides content of 7-13%, or natural concentrate with up to 15% chlorides content. Thereafter, the cinder is leached by an aqua-regia solution, the precious metals are recovered from the pulp via of sorption, chlorinating roasting is held at 600-700° C., the precious metals are leached from the cinder using diluted solution of aqua-regia, and then via sorption. The process is cost-efficient due to the use of chlorinating agent, reduction of the process steps number, decreasing of the roasting temperature, and the leaching by diluted acid.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing earrings from a display card includes a pronged mechanism for slipping between the ornamental portion of the earring and the card. A user applies leverage to the pronged mechanism to separate the earring from the card. The pronged mechanism can be enhanced with a cover for preventing the earring from flipping away as it is removed from the card. The cover can be attached to the pronged portion by any suitable means, such as a band, adhesive, hinge, or other means. When the pronged mechanism removes the earring from the card, the earring retainer on the back of the earring necessarily also separates from the card, so the device can be further enhanced with a cup means for catching and containing the earring retainer. The apparatus can be a single, integrated device.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a fixing structure of direction switch buttons for a reversible wrench, in which a wrench is equipped with two direction switch buttons on the driving portion, button-restricting portions and location-restricting portions relative to the driving portion. The two direction switch buttons are arranged inside the driving portion by the method of insertion. Moreover, a button-fixing device is provided between the two direction switch buttons, the button-fixing device mainly includes an actuating member and a restoring member. The two ends of the actuating member are wedged into the two direction switch buttons respectively to drive the two direction switch buttons simultaneously. In addition, the actuating member is able to move elastically between the two direction switch buttons by means of the restoring member so as to connect the two direction switch buttons elastically. The objectives of fast connection, exact positioning and simultaneous actuation are achieved.

Abstract: A recessed screwing driving assembly comprises a driving portion having an engaging opening; each apex of the engaging opening being formed as an apex recess which has a concave cambered shape; a middle section of each side of the engaging opening being formed with a middle side; between each middle side and an adjacent apex recess being formed with a first recess and a second recess. The first recess has two straight sides and a concave cambered lower bottom; the two straight sides of the first recess are inclined to the first side and are extended from the first side toward a direction far away from the first side. The slope of the side of the first recess near the apex recess is greater than that of the other side of the first recess. The second recess has a shape like that of the first recess.

Abstract: A device having an adjustable handle and head is provided, and the device comprises: a pair of handles having opposing top and bottom ends, the top end of each of the handles having a U-shaped component; a head comprising a first and second component, each of the components having opposing top and bottom ends, the top end of each of the components having at least one contact surface, the bottom end of each of the components comprising a protrusion, and the protrusion has a plurality of external slots; the U-shaped component of the handles are designed to interact with the protrusion of the bottom end of each of the first and second components of the head, and the first and second components are connected at a pivot point; and a device for engaging the slots of the protrusion to thereby allow movement of the head and lock the head to a desired position, and the handles are designed to be squeezed together to thereby allow the contact surfaces of the first and the second top ends of the first and second compone

Abstract: A fuel injector connector installation tool is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a device for machining work pieces rotating around a work piece axis (Z) with a tool that rotates around a tool axis, where a clamping device (9) is transferred into a first position, a work piece to be machined is clamped on said clamping device, the clamping device (9) with the work piece clamped thereon is transferred from the first position into a spatially separated second position where it can be driven to rotate around the work piece axis (Z) by a work piece spindle (1) connected to the clamping device (9) and after the work piece has been machined, the clamping device (9) is transferred from the second into the first position, were improved in accordance with the invention in that the clamping device (9) is separated from the work piece spindle (1) in the transfer from the second into the first position, and connected to the work piece spindle (1) in the transfer from the first into the second position (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Installation for sequential loading of bars of material, referred to as bars, in a functional subassembly of a machine for machining these bars, the installation including an elongated element, referred to as pusher, which has a front end, and is placed under the control of a first device, the pusher including at least one first part which has the front end and a second part that is connected to the first device and these two parts.

Abstract: A device is provided for removal of a layer, such as a label, from a cylindrical surface of an object. The device includes a guide, a cutting instrument, and a base connecting the guide and the cutting instrument. The guide and the cutting instrument are separated by a distance defined by the base, and the cutting instrument is positioned to shave along the object's surface to remove the layer, when the surface of the object is rotated against the cutting instrument and against the guide. The method includes, positioning an object in a device having a cutting instrument and a guide, where the cutting instrument and the guide both support the object, and where the cutting instrument is positioned to shave along the surface to remove the layer when the object is rotated; and rotating the object so the cutting instrument shaves under the layer to remove the layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and tool for producing a press joint connection. According to the invention, portions of the radial lateral walls of the matrix opening (3) are configured as flexible displaceable segments, whereas other sections (5), when viewed from the periphery of the matrix opening (3), remain rigidly connected to the die.

Abstract: A chopper table comprises table bodies for guiding a signature transported by transport belts, and a pair of inlet guides for guiding the signature pushed in by a chopper blade. The table bodies are detachably supported on chopper frames, and the inlet guides are detachably supported on the chopper frames via brackets. The chopper table improves the returnability of the table body and inlet guide when they are removed at the time of a paper jam or replacement of the transport belt, and can easily adjust the gap of a slit between the inlet guides.

Abstract: A chopper table comprises table bodies for guiding a signature transported by transport belts, and a pair of inlet guides for guiding the signature pushed in by a chopper blade. The table bodies are detachably supported on chopper frames, and the inlet guides are detachably supported on the chopper frames via brackets. The chopper table improves the returnability of the table body and inlet guide when they are removed at the time of a paper jam or replacement of the transport belt, and can easily adjust the gap of a slit between the inlet guides.

Abstract: A clamping and cutting apparatus for a conveyor belt is provided. The apparatus includes upper and lower elongate members between which the belt is to be clamped. A clamping mechanism has a screw drive mechanism mounted to the upper member and an end linkage assembly which are operable to generate a more rapid clamping operation of the elongate members on the belt. The upper elongate member can be releasably latched to the lower elongate member for quick connection and removal therefrom. A cutting blade of the apparatus is preferably provided with upper and lower guides to increase the rigidity thereof for increasing cutting accuracy and allowing thicker belts to be cut therewith without increasing blade thickness.

Abstract: A sliding miter saw having a base for supporting a workpiece, a rotatable table mounted on the base, a transmission frame on one side of the table, a motor disposed on one end of the transmission frame, and a blade driven by the motor. Two rows of rollers are disposed on a bottom of the table and a sliding block adapted to cooperate with the two rows of rollers is disposed between the two rows of rollers. One end of the sliding block is hinged to the transmission frame.

Abstract: A table saw includes a base having a spindle for changeably attaching two or more saw blades, a rail secured on the base, a carrier slidably engaged onto the rail for supporting a work piece, a table plate disposed on the base and having an opening facing toward the saw blades, and two or more inserts changeably engageable in the opening of the table plate and having a recess for fitting the saw blades of different width or thickness and for allowing the saw blades to be changed from each other and for conducting different sawing or working operations. The rail is preferably slidably and adjustably secured to the base for movably supporting the carrier.

Abstract: A device is provided for cutting paper and other graphic substrates (10) in roll on two perpendicular axes simultaneously with automatic errors correction, both in the feeding with respect to a direction (F) along the longitudinal axis (Y) of the substrate, and of the deviation of the image with respect to the edge of the substrate itself. For this purpose, a motor (5) is provided at the horizontal cutting unit (4), in addition to a drive motor (6), suitable for shifting the cutting path in order to make it coincide with the correct cutting line (Tx). In the same way, for the longitudinal cutting assembly (14) along the (Y) axis, in addition to a motor (7) for performing the cut, a motor (8) is provided suitable for translating along the (X) axis the whole cutting assembly on the basis of lateral deviations detected by means of an optic cell (9), whose signals are processed by a microprocessor for the drive of the motor (8).

Abstract: A food product slicer includes a base, a knife mounted for rotation relative to the base and a carriage mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of the knife. A lift assist assembly is associated with the base and arranged to push the slicer upward toward an upward tilted position, the lift assist assembly arranged for reducing user input energy required to tilt the slicer upward.

Abstract: A material shearing apparatus uses a horizontal receiver bar in support of a pair of spaced apart vertical guide rods having retainer blocks fixed in place on them, and a shearing head slidingly engaged with the guide rods so as to move between raised and lowered positions. A camshaft rotates eccentrically in the retainer blocks so as to bear on the shearing head which is thereby moved downwardly against return springs.

Abstract: In conventional ram-driven presses, the downward stroke of the ram into a tool causes acceleration of the tool, thereby facilitating an operation on a workpiece by the tip of the tool. While the ram stroke is found to impart sufficient dynamic energy to the tool to facilitate the necessitated operation by the tool tip, there are other more efficient, and in turn, more effective, means and methods of actuating the tool tip, with such means and methods being facilitated from energy derived from the tool's acceleration or from energy from other external sources.

Abstract: A motorized saw has a guide rail which is arranged on at least one clamping stud and can be clamped in place between two bearing surfaces by clamping means. A clamping element is provided which is arranged on the clamping stud and in a locating opening of the guide rail and which fixes the guide rail in at least one radial direction of the clamping stud in the clamped state. A clamping element has at least one clamping surface which is formed at an end face of the clamping element and which encloses an angle of less than 90° with the longitudinal center axis of an opening of the clamping element.

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

Abstract: Composite or plastic molded articles used in a grand piano piano action. The articles make up a piano action with less dynamic mass which is, thus, more responsive to the piano player. In addition, the new action provides the extremely valuable collateral benefits of increased efficiency of manufacture and maintenance.

Abstract: An improved support for stringed musical instruments of the violin family, allowing the musician to play the instrument in a wide range of stable and adjustable playing positions without using pressure from the chin, jaw, neck, left hand, or shoulder resulting in comfortable playing positions and a relaxed body posture. The support sling (1) consists of one or more narrow lengths of flexible material slipped under the tailpiece (5) of the instrument, over one shoulder, down diagonally across the back to under the opposite underarm, upward across the chest the ends being fastened together by a knot (2) or adjustable and releasable fasteners to form a continuous loop around the body of the musician that is fit closely and securely. The support sling (1) is of simple design, easy to use, and fits easily alongside the instrument in its case. The support sling is an improvement over the prior art.

Abstract: A support for a body of a stringed instrument includes a brace structure having a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body. The brace structure has a substantially flat first surface. A portion of the plurality of legs conforms to a soundhole opening which is integrated into the body of the stringed instrument. A brace for a body of a guitar includes a unitary structure adapted to mount to a soundboard of the guitar. The unitary structure has a plurality of arms radially disposed about a central body. A method of assembling a guitar includes mounting a brace structure to a soundboard of the guitar. Again, the brace structure has a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body.

Abstract: A practice mute for string instruments includes a primary unit and at least one secondary unit. The primary unit is provided at a lower side with a groove in parallel with an axial direction of the primary unit, so that the primary unit may straddle a bridge of a string instrument with the groove engaged with a top of the bridge. The primary unit is also provided at the lower side with a plurality of recesses perpendicular to the axial direction of the primary unit, allowing strings of the string instrument to extend through the primary unit via the recesses. Part of the material of the primary unit at a predetermined position is removed to form at least one cavity for receiving the secondary unit therein. The primary and the secondary unit are made of different materials, so that the practice mute has reduced weight and provides improved sound-absorbing effect.

Abstract: Improvements in an expandable musical instrument stand where the components of the stand are constructed with tubular sections. The tubular section telescope with an extension mechanism placed between the tubular members to assist in adjusting the playing height of the musical instrument. The expandable construction allows the musical stand to be broken down into smaller sections to make it easier to transport and simple to erect. The expandable section is ideally used with the center tube with a three or four leg stand where the legs can be collapsible on the center tube or the legs can be constructed with the same or similar construction as the center tube where they can be stacked and clamped with a collar.

Abstract: In combination with a drumstick used for playing a drum, the improvement comprises an apparatus for teaching a novice the proper technique for holding a drumstick. The apparatus includes at least one aperture disposed in the drumstick and an elastomeric member engageable with the aperture and having a loop on each side of the drumstick for engagement with a user's thumb and ring finger.

Abstract: Keyboard apparatus includes: a plurality of white and black keys: a plurality of mass body units each pivotable in response to operation of a corresponding one of the keys; a frame having mounted thereon the plurality of keys and mass body units; and upper- and lower-limit stoppers provided on the frame for limiting a pivotable range of each of the mass body units by the mass body unit colliding against the stoppers. Each of the mass body units includes a cavity portion provided in a section thereof that pivots against a gravitational force as the corresponding key is depressed, and a plurality of particles are accommodated in the cavity portion with some vacant space left in the cavity portion.