Abstract: A nut and screw set for reducing the amount of hindered motion therebetween is disclosed. The nut and screw set includes a screw and a nut. The screw includes a plurality of screw threads. The nut includes a plurality of nut threads. The nut threads are threadably engagable with the screw threads. The nut threads are sized reduce hindered motion between the screw and the nut as a result of thermal expansion of the screw and the nut.

Abstract: A ball screw device includes a screw shaft rotatably engaged with a ball nut, and a number of bearing members received between the ball nut and the screw shaft, and a circulating device for circulating the bearing members, the circulating device includes an elongate member having two end blocks for engaging into the ball nut and having a passage for receiving the bearing members, and includes a housing member and a casing member each having a portion of the passage of the elongate member for allowing the passage of the elongate member to be opened and exposed and for allowing the housing member and the casing member to be formed with molding procedures.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a motor-driven actuator that can prevent generation of hitting sound due to rattling of an output shaft of a motor. The motor-driven actuator is equipped with a motor with an output shaft, worm attached to the output shaft, and rotation member with a worm wheel engaging with the worm inside a case, wherein a bearing member equipped with a regulating face adjacent to a top end of said output shaft and intergrading by biasing force of a spring in a manner said regulating face pushes the top end of said output shaft into the direction of thrust is provided.

Abstract: There is a gear set. The gear set has a) a first gear having a first surface and b) an intermeshing second gear having a second surface. The first and second surfaces each, independently, have an isotropic arithmetic mean roughness, Ra, of about 3 microinches or less and are lubricated. There is also a method for increasing the contact surface-fatigue life of a gear set.

Abstract: Device and system appropriate for an automotive gear box where, due to modifications in the arrangement of mechanical elements of a vehicle, the transmission system from the gear command to the gear box, originally conceived to be actuated by means of beams, should be transformed into a transmission system by double action flexible cables. The transformation is made substituting the actuation device by beams, as installed in the gear box, by a new actuation device by cables included outside said box, using the same assembly position and the same fixation elements to fix the beam device to be substituted, so that the new system does not require any change in the gear box.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission has a reverse gear locking device that includes a rotating shaft having a longitudinal axis, the rotating shaft adapted for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis, and a lock connected to the rotating shaft and positioned in alignment with a stopper extending from the shift drum of the transmission. The initial position of the lock prevents the shift drum from engaging the reverse gear. A rotational movement of the rotating shaft tilts the lock out of alignment with the stopper and allows the shift drum to engage the reverse gear.

Abstract: A shift lever assembly for operating a transmission of a vehicle includes a mounting shaft an extension shaft coupled thereto. The extension shaft is pivotable between an operating position and a collapse position relative to the mounting shaft. A latching mechanism is disposed within a bore defined by one of the mounting shaft and the extenstion shaft. The latching mechanism includes a compression spring biasing against a plunger. One of the mounting shaft and the extension shaft defines a seat. The plunger engages the seat in the interlocking engagement when the extension shaft is in the operating position. The plunger holds the extension shaft in the operating position until a force greater than a pre-determined value is applied to the extension shaft to compress the plunger and permit the extension shaft to pivot into the collapse position. The extension shaft is repeatably moveable between the operating position and the collapse position.

Abstract: The gearbox comprises a case, a stationary rod supported by the cas, a gear selector fork mounted slidably on the stationary rod and an end-of-travel bush mounted on the stationary rod so as to provide an axial abutment surface for the gear selector fork. The gear selector fork includes a sheet-metal body forming integrally a pair of support plates each having a respective guide through-hole. One of the guide through-holes is provided with a guide bush formed by means of overmoulding of low-friction plastic and is guided along the stationary rod. The other guide through-hole has no guide bush and is guided along a smaller-diameter portion of the end-of-travel bush.

Abstract: A finger throttle for motorized vehicles having thumb throttles with thumb operated levers. The finger throttle includes a housing, a linkage assembly, and a finger operated lever. The housing is configured to mount on the thumb throttle housing and the linkage assembly is configured to engage the thumb throttle linkage assembly. The finger operated lever is linked to the linkage assembly such that moving the finger operated lever moves the linkage assembly, which in turn moves the thumb throttle linkage assembly. The operator can use the finger operated lever or the thumb operated lever to control the engine speed or can use both levers concurrently to do so.

Abstract: An actuation system for a multi-segmented robot linkage is provided. The system includes (i) a gravity counter balancing mechanism for the multi-segmented robot linkage and a payload in contact with the multi-segmented robot linkage and (ii) a plurality of actuators acting on the joints of the multi-segmented robot linkage, whereby the actuators are high-bandwidth back-drivable actuators.

Abstract: A lock (50) particularly suitable for selectively locking a handle (30) in any one or more of the available positions. The lock (50) comprises a locking pin (51) moveable axially along a first axis (52) between engaging and release conditions. The locking pin (51) is operably connected to a slider (71) adapted to undergo reciprocatory movement along a second axis (72) substantially normal to the first axis (52), whereby movement of the slider (71) along the second axis (72) causes movement of the locking pin (51) along the first axis (52). A handle mechanism (10) incorporating the lock (50), and apparatus (11) fitted with the handle mechanism (10), are also disclosed.

Abstract: The steering column assembly includes: an upper clamp 7; a distance bracket 8 fixed to an outer tube 4; a clamp bolt 9 including a shank 9b inserted in tilt long holes formed in the upper clamp 7 and telescopic long holes formed in the distance bracket 8; an operation lever 10 configured to rotate integrally with the bolt 9; a cam body 11 configured of an eccentric cam 41 and a ring 42, the eccentric cam 41 being provided on the shank 9b, the radial dimension of the eccentric cam 41 gradually changing in its circumferential direction, and the ring 42 rotatably fitted on the outer periphery of the eccentric cam 41. The cam body 11 rotates and is pressed against an inner tube 5 to lock the inner tube 5 to an outer tube 4.

Abstract: A machine includes a steering column assembly and a mechanical strut pivotably attached to the steering column assembly. The mechanical strut, free of pressurized gas, is positioned to tilt at least a portion of the steering column assembly about an axis. A tilt adjustment mechanism is movable to release a friction lock mechanism within the mechanical strut. The mechanical strut is telescopically movable through a continuous range of positions when the friction lock mechanism is released.

Abstract: A motion transmitting cable assembly includes a cable having a conduit and a core longitudinally movable within the conduit, a core attachment secured to an end of the core, and a conduit abutment fitting having a main body secured to an end of the conduit and a guide tube extending from the main body and slidably receiving the core attachment therein. The conduit abutment fitting is formed of plastic and the guide tube is unitary with the main body so that the conduit abutment fitting is a molded plastic one-piece component. The guide tube is bendable so that the core attachment can pivot relative to the main body to account for rotational motion of the control member. The guide tube is preferably bendable at least 7 degrees in all directions with a bending force of no more than 4.5 N.

Abstract: A cable assembly includes a cable having a conduit and a core longitudinally movable within the conduit, a core attachment secured to an end of the core, a conduit abutment fitting secured to an end of the conduit, and a guide tube extending from the conduit abutment fitting and slidably receiving the core attachment therein. The guide tube includes a main member secured to the conduit abutment fitting and an extension member longitudinally extending from the main portion such that the core attachment is slidably received in both the main portion and the extension portion. An end of the core attachment is located within the guide tube over an entire stroke of the core attachment. The extension member is longitudinally separable from the main member to expose the end of the core attachment during assembly so that the end of the core attachment can be secured to the core.

Abstract: A gearshift device for an automatic transmission that prevents inadvertent gearshift operations. The gearshift device includes a shaft-shaped gearshift member partially exposed from a housing so as to be rotatable relative to the housing about a rotation axis and movable sidewards in at least a first direction that intersects the rotation axis. The gearshift member is rotated to a plurality of rotation positions respectively corresponding to the gear positions of the automatic transmission. A movement restriction unit permits movement of the gearshift member in the first direction only when the gearshift member is rotated to a selected one of the rotation positions to determine shifting to the gear position corresponding to the selected one of the rotation positions. A control unit provides the automatic transmission with a gearshift control signal corresponding to the selected one of the rotation positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission arrangement (10). Said transmission arrangement (10) comprises a transmission housing (16), a transmission chamber (12) surrounded by the transmission housing (16), a first shaft (20) mounted in the transmission housing (16), a cavity (88) embodied in the first shaft (20) eccentrically to the rotational axis (18) with the cross-sectional centre of gravity thereof, and a channel (156) embodied in the first shaft (20). Said channel (156) connects the transmission chamber (12) to the cavity (88) of the first shaft (20). The aim of the invention is to improve the lubrication process of the transmission arrangement (10) and the operating reliability, thus extending the maintenance intervals. To this end, the channel (156) is provided with a component (162) which is used to reduce the passage cross-section of the channel (156), and by which means only an optimised quantity of lubricant is transported through the channel (156).

Abstract: An automated multi-group standard transmission, for a utility vehicle, and a process for changing gears in the multi-group transmission. The multi-group transmission includes at least two multi-speed transmission groups arranged one after the other, such that a multitude of gears can be shifted. A transmission input shaft that can be connected to an engine, via a startup element, is associated with a first transmission group and a second transmission main shaft is associated with a second transmission group. Load shifting mechanisms produce a temporary direct connection between the transmission input shaft and the transmission main shaft such that an intermediate gear can be shifted during a gear change from an original gear into a target gear. The load shifting mechanism enables gear changes that are virtually free of interruptions in load transfer during a gear change from a lower to a higher gear, thus increasing a high operational comfort.

Abstract: A method for reducing titanium and other metal oxides to metal is disclosed. The method comprises providing a titanium or other metal oxide exposing the metal oxide to a non-thermal plasma, and reducing at least a portion of the titanium oxide to provide titanium metal. The non-thermal plasma may be formed using a first inert gas species, and a second reactive gas species.

Abstract: This invention relates to powder metallurgy, more specifically, to methods of fabricating hard alloy items. The invention can be used as an iron, cobalt or nickel base binder for the fabrication of diamond cutting tools for the construction industry and stone cutting, including segmented cutting discs of different designs and wires for reinforced concrete and asphalt cutting used in the renovation of highway pavements, runways in airports, upgrading of metallurgical plants, nuclear power plants, bridges and other structures, monolithic reinforced concrete cutting drills, as well as discs and wires for the quarry production of natural stone and large scale manufacturing of facing construction materials. This invention achieves the objective of providing binders for the fabrication of diamond tools having higher wear resistance without a significant increase in the sintering temperature, as well as higher hardness, strength and impact toughness.

Abstract: An iron-based powder metallurgical composition is provided comprising an iron or iron-based powder and a particulate composite lubricant, the composite lubricant comprising particles having a core comprising a solid organic lubricant having fine carbon particles adhered thereon. A particulate composite lubricant and a method for producing the same also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for forming flakes, especially metal flakes. The method comprises producing a heated stream of molten material, feeding the stream in a substantially vertically downward direction, receiving the downwardly directed stream and forming flakes therefrom, and effecting a change in the temperature of the stream subsequent to the production thereof whereby flakes of a desired thickness are obtained. The present invention is applicable to any metal which melts when heated and is capable of being formed into flakes. Examples of metals are Al, Cu, Mo, V, Ag, Cr, Zr, Nb, Ni, Fe, Co, Ti, Au, Pd, W, Hf, Rh, Ir, Pt, Cd or alloys thereof, such as chromium-nickel, iron-nickel, iron-chromium and nickel-cobalt, wherein Cu, Ag, Ti, or Al, or alloys thereof are preferred and Al, or Ag, or alloys thereof are most preferred.

Abstract: In production of a titanium alloy spherical powder by a gas atomizing method, the difference in alloy composition depending on the product particle size is reduced economically. To achieve this, sponge titanium particles and additive metal element particles are mixed by means of a mixer having a pulverizing function such as a ball mill. The mixed particles are compressed to form a rod-formed raw material for melting. The formed rod-formed raw material for melting is powderized by a gas atomizing method. In the mixing step, the additive metal element particles are pulverized, or ground depending on the kind of particles, and solidly adhered to the surface of the sponge titanium particles, so that uniform mixing is possible.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of refractory debris materials and ladle slags as process slags in the iron metallurgy production in EAFs and the related metering to the furnace for the formation of the process slag comprises the following steps: grinding and screening of the refractory debris materials until powders of controlled granulometry are obtained, storage of the powders in storage sites, injection of the powders into an EAF furnace by means of automatic metering of the various components.

Abstract: An adjustment unit has a driver for turning an adjustment screw, a sleeve having a hexagonal hole connected to a rotating shaft, an insertion member connected to the upper end of the driver and of which a part is inserted in the sleeve, a pipe concentrically provided around the driver and having at its forward end a socket for rotating an adjustment nut, and a gear body provided concentric with the pipe and rotating the pipe. The sleeve has a short tiltable support section in contact with the hexagonal hole. A gap is provided between the hexagonal hole of the gear body and a hexagonal column section of the pipe. The driver and the pipe tilt about the tilting support section as the fulcrum.

Abstract: A reaction arm for a power-driven torque intensifier having a housing with an axis, a torque intensifier unit and a switching device for switching the torque intensifier unit between high speed/low torque and low speed/high torque, is configured for operating the switching device so that when the reaction arm is placed in a first position, the torque intensifier unit is switched to high speed/low torque and the reaction arm is usable as a handle by an operator, and when the reaction arm is placed in a second position the torque intensifier unit is switched to low speed/high torque and the reaction arm can abut against a stationary object since the high torque can not be absorbed by the operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic power wrench comprising a ratchet lever (16) driven by a hydraulic cylinder. According to the invention, said power wrench is provided with a friction brake (20) which operates continuously between the housing (10) and the output shaft (14). In this way, reversed rotations of the output shaft following the individual working strokes are avoided.

Abstract: A serpentine belt tool for releasing tension on a serpentine belt biased by an idler pulley includes an elongate handle which is connected to a ratchet mechanism. The pawl associated with the ratchet mechanism has three positions including a neutral position which facilitates placement of the tool on an idler pulley.

Abstract: Apparatus and kit for removing rotatably fastened objects including at least one elongate member having a first end face and a second end face, such that the first end face includes a first interface to substantially engage the elongate member with a rotatably fastened object so that a rotational force is applied to the fastened object substantially when a force is applied to the elongate member, and wherein the first end face also includes a second interface to substantially engage the elongate member with a leverage tool and a second end face, and wherein the second end face includes a third interface to substantially engage the elongate member with a rotatably fastened object so that a rotational force is applied to the fastened object substantially when a force is applied to the elongate member.

Abstract: A slim profile wrench is provided for reaching nuts and bolts in tight spaces. The wrench includes first and second casing members which encloses a chain trained about sprockets at opposite ends of the wrench. Each sprocket includes an integral female drive and an integral female socket on opposite ends. Rotation of a drive shaft inserted into the female drive rotates the female socket at the opposite end via the chain. The casing members are secured together by fasteners extending into a central wall within the casing members. The wall also defines spaced apart channels which provide a guide track for the chain. Wear bushings are provided on each side of each sprocket.

Abstract: A wrench comprises a handle portion, a head portion releasably secured to the handle portion and a release device. The head portion has an inner surface that defines a fastener receiving aperture and a side entry to the fastener receiving aperture and is movable relative to the handle portion between a loading position in which the side entry is open and an operating position in which the side entry is closed. The head portion is operable to close around a fastener received in the fastener receiving aperture in response to a torque applied in a predetermined direction using the handle portion. The release device is arranged to at least assist in releasing the head portion from the handle portion to permit the head portion to be separated from the handle portion.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for use with a tool has a tool having a first working end, an opposite second end, a central axis therebetween, and a least one axial recess formed on an outer surface of the tool. A cap is rotatably received on the tool opposite second end, the cap comprising at least one recess formed on an outer surface thereon. The cap is rotatable between a first position in which the cap at least one recess aligns with the tool at least one recess, and a second position in which the cap at least one recess is out of alignment with the tool at least one recess. The locking mechanism further comprises a detent operatively positioned between the tool and the cap. The detent may be a pin and a spring, where the spring biases the cap into the second position.

Abstract: A tool retaining device includes a tool stem having a compartment for receiving a tool member, and one or more apertures and one or more openings for receiving one or more detent and one or more locking balls, and a barrel engaged onto the tool stem and having one or more peripheral slots and peripheral recesses for selectively receiving the detents and the locking balls respectively, and the barrel includes a peripheral actuator for actuating the detent to engage with the tool member, and another actuator for actuating the locking ball to rotatably securing the tool member to the tool stem when the peripheral actuator is disengaged from the detent.

Abstract: A fluid-operated torque wrench for tightening or loosening a fastener has a housing having two housing portions including a cylinder portion and a driving portion, cylinder-piston means arranged in the cylinder portion and movable along a first axis, a lever-type ratchet mechanism arranged in the driving portion and connected to the cylinder-piston means to be driven by the later, the lever-type ratchet mechanism having a ratchet turnable about a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis, at least three connecting elements including first and second connecting elements receiving a given turning force acting in one direction during operation of the wrench, and a third connecting element receiving a turning force in an opposite direction during operation of the wrench and being equal to the given turning force acting in the one direction, so that one of the turning forces turns a fastener to be tightened or loosened while another of the turning forces is transferred to a stationary object.

Abstract: An electronic torque wrench includes a tubular housing having a receiving space, a working unit having an abutment portion extending into the receiving space, a strain sensor provided in the working unit, and a trip unit disposed in the receiving space and including a cylinder having a chamber containing hydraulic fluid, a trip element disposed movably between the abutment portion and the cylinder and having a seat portion, and a control element connected to the cylinder for pressurizing or depressurizing the hydraulic fluid so as to permit the abutment portion to be seated on or to move away from a center of the seat portion. A central processor is connected electrically to the strain sensor and the control element, and controls the control element to depressurize the hydraulic fluid when an applied torque measured by the strain sensor is larger than a preset reference torque value.

Abstract: This invention is generally directed to a new connecting structure for connecting the bodies of hand-operated tools to their handles. It solves the technical difficulty in standardizing the connection of hand-operated tools and handles. The technical strategy involves separating the connecting structure to the connecting segment and handle fix segment. The axial opening of the handle fix segment fits the shape of handle, and handle is installed into the handle fix segment. The present invention has the advantages of simple design, convenience for mass manufacture, ease and reliability in connecting, assembling, and adjusting standardized connection process, and cost-efficiency in production and transportation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for chip breaking, controlling cutting tool wear, and the like in turning, boring, and other applications, including: engaging a workpiece with a cutting tool in a feed direction along a toolpath, superimposing an oscillation in the feed direction on the toolpath, and dynamically or non-dynamically varying the oscillation superimposed in the feed direction on the toolpath such that interrupted cuts and chips of a predetermined length or less are produced. These systems take full advantage of computer numerical control (CNC) methodologies.

Abstract: A dynamic alignment monitoring system allows an operator to monitor the misalignment of an on-vehicle disk brake lathe with respect to a vehicle axis about which the disk to be machined rotates, and can allow the operator to discontinue further alignment when appropriate in order to speed the overall time of the alignment process. The system processes signals from an angular rate sensor and a tachometer, using a scaling routine to derive a LRO value corresponding to the LRO of the disk which would result from machining in the current alignment condition. A representation of the derived LRO value is displayed to the operator. An operator override can allow the operator to discontinue further alignment adjustments when an acceptable alignment condition is indicated. The system can aid the operator by also presenting a representation of an acceptable LRO value for the particular vehicle being serviced.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite working lathe capable of improving the efficiency of workpiece machining area by arranging a workpiece handling device below a spindle of the composite working lathe. The composite working lathe 1 comprises a spindle 20 and a tool spindle 30 on a bed 10. A workpiece handling device 40 arranged below the spindle 20 can be moved along a W axis parallel to the axis line C1 of the spindle. The workpiece handling device 40 has a workpiece handling head 50 that pivots in the direction of arrow F around an axis line C2, and grips the workpiece K1 via a gripper 60. The axis line C2 is an axis perpendicular to the vertical plane including the axis line C1 of the spindle 20, and the workpiece handling head 50 is raised for 90 degrees when the gripper 60 receives the workpiece K1 from the spindle 20. The angular position of the workpiece handling head 50 is allocated and the workpiece K1 is machined via a tool T1 on the tool spindle 30.

Abstract: An auto-centering apparatus and method of auto-centering and dividing a cheese loaf into equal cheese portions is disclosed wherein the cheese loaf is loaded on to a bottom conveyor that centers the cheese along the cutting harp centerline and equally divides the cheese loaf to provide substantially equally sized cheese portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a bend in composite panel. In one advantageous embodiment, a method is used to form a bend in a composite panel. An angle and a radius bend are identified for the bend. A location of the bend in the composite panel is identified. A slot is cut having a curved flange in the composite panel at the identified location in a single pass through the composite panel with a tool, wherein the curved flange has a shape with a bend allowance width and a bend slot width. The bend allowance width is BA=2?*A/360, wherein BA is the bend allowance width, R is a corner radius, and A is a bend angle. The bend slot width is BS=BA?2K(R?T), wherein K is Tan(A/2) and T is a thickness of the composite panel. The composite panel with the slot is bent to form the bend.

Abstract: An assembled blind cutting machine is provided. The assembled blind cutting machine includes a control console and at least a cutting device capable of moving to and fro along a pre-determined direction; each of the cutting devices having at least a cutting member; a linking member formed across between the control console and each of the cutting devices so as to integrate each of the cutting devices and the control console. Consequently, by matching cutting devices of different cutting members with the control console, the assembled blind cutting machine offers more options and enhanced extensibility.

Abstract: [Problems] In a conventional texture cutting, little attention was paid to the accuracy of the angled or the curved texture cutting, and the accurate cutting could not be conducted. [Mean of Solving Problems] A contact point between the top edge of a lower blade 75 and a rotation blade 67 is made to intersect with a center axis C with an error range of ±3 mm. Thereby, the accuracy of the angled or curved cutting is improved. Especially, the center of the rotation blade is significantly desirable to be positioned ahead of the center axis in the traveling direction, thereby enabling the smoother cutting.

Abstract: For a device (100 for rotary processing of rolled material capable of being conveyed along a transportation path between a rotatably mounted processing sleeve (110) and a rotatably mounted anvil sleeve (120), single-ended suspension of a processing axle (111) and an anvil axle (121) is achieved in that the anvil sleeve (120) rotatably mounted on the anvil axle (121) suspended at one end only is coupled to the anvil axle (121) by means of a bearing (122) mounted in a central region mid-way between the opposing edges (125, 126) of said anvil sleeve (120).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a locking assembly for a power miter saw of the type which has a base and a table that is rotatably mounted on the base about a center pivot axis, comprising a pair of oppositely facing arcuate surfaces on the base spaced from and being concentric with the center pivot axis, a clamp attached to the table for engaging the arcuate surfaces to lock the table from rotating relative to the base by applying a clamping force to the arcuate surfaces and not to the center pivot axis, and an actuating mechanism for operating the clamp.

Abstract: A cutting link (1) for a saw chain includes a base body (2) and a cutting tooth (3) mounted thereon and made of hard metal. The base body (2) has rivet openings (4) and a recess (6) is formed in the base body (2) for chip removal with the recess (6) being ahead of the cutting tooth (3) in running direction. A connecting leg (8) of the cutting tooth (3) is brought into surface contact laterally of the base body (2) and the cutting tooth (3) is firmly bonded to the base body (2) by brazing. The connecting leg (8) extends so far downwardly that a lower edge (13) thereof lies lower than the recess (6). The connecting leg (8) has an upwardly raised edge (15) in its rearward region opposite the neighboring rivet opening (4).

Abstract: Optimized tone wood for acoustical performance and methods for optimizing tone wood are described. The longitudinal to cross-grain stiffness ratio, the acoustical mass, and damping of tone wood are adjusted to improve volume and quality of tonal output. These properties are adjusted by selectively removing a portion of summer growth of the wood to reduce cross-grain stiffness while retaining the winter growth of the wood for longitudinal stiffness. Damping materials can modify the effects of the summer growth removal.

Abstract: A cymbal where the lowest frequency mode of vibration in the cymbal is less than 20 cycles per second, and where the lowest mode is of a great enough amplitude to be capable of producing a prominent vibrato effect and a prominent phase shifting effect when said cymbal is struck, the cymbal being made by hammering a concave underside of a pre-formed cymbal in a manner which forms dents in a surface of said cymbal.

Abstract: A personal music mixing system with an embodiment providing beats and vocals configured using a web browser and musical compositions generated from said beats and vocals. Said embodiment provides a plurality of beats and vocals that a user may suitably mix to create a new musical composition and make such composition available for future playback by the user or by others. In some embodiments, the user advantageously may hear a sample musical composition having beats and vocals with particular user-configured parameter settings and may adjust said settings until the user deems the musical composition complete.

Abstract: An audio signal is processed to extract key information by selecting (102) tonal components from the audio signal. A mask is then applied (104) to the selected tonal components to discard at least one tonal component. Note values of the remaining tonal components are determined (106) and mapped (108) to a single octave to obtain chroma values. The chroma values are accumulated (110) into a chromagram and evaluated (112).