Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for determining a flow rate, with at least one flow passage for a fluid, an adjustable measuring device and a throttle. The apparatus is characterized in that the throttle is arranged to be movable about at least one pivot axis and engages with a predetermined and variable flow edge section at least in a partial region of the fluid flow passage prior to the measuring device. The apparatus according to the invention further comprises a bypass, which is variable at least by means of a bypass actuating member.

Abstract: A flow meter of Coriolis type includes a supporting base that supports a pair of fluid pipes in a manner capable of being vibrated, and a frame fixed to the supporting base. The frame is integrally formed with a mounting portion disposed between the fluid pipes and having a thickness that does not interfere with the fluid pipes, a reinforcing portion disposed at the outer circumference of the mounting portion and enhancing the rigidity of the mounting portion, and a fixing portion for being fixed to the supporting base. The reinforcing portion has an outer wall portion that protrudes at least to one side of the thickness direction of the mounting portion, and substantially continuously surrounds the outer circumference of the fluid pipes. Penetrating portions for disposing the coils corresponding to respective magnetic substances mounted on the fluid pipe are formed in the mounting portion.

Abstract: A torque measuring apparatus includes: a flexure element that is attached between an output shaft of an actuator or a speed reducer as a torque measurement object and a load object, and includes a main flexure part displaced mainly around the output shaft according to a torque applied from the load object, and an auxiliary flexure part to remove a displacement component other than the displacement of the main flexure part around the output shaft; and at least one pair of strain gauges attached to the main flexure part. The torque is measured based on electric signals outputted from the respective strain gauges.

Abstract: A pressure distribution sensor utilizing electromagnetic coupling in which alignment of electromagnetically coupled coils is facilitated, and a force in a slip direction can be detected. The pressure distribution sensor utilizing electromagnetic coupling has a detection surface comprises a plurality of first loop wires (1) arranged in parallel on the same plane, a plurality of second loop wires (2) arranged in parallel on the same plane in the direction perpendicular to the first loop wires (1), and a plurality of third loop wires (3) arranged in parallel on the same plane as the first loop wires. The third loop wires (3) are formed to be connectable to a drive section (10) in a separated manner from the first loop wires. The drive section (10) connected to the first loop wires drives the first loop wires, and a detecting section (20) connected to the second loop wires detects pressure from detection signals based on electromagnetic coupling at the electromagnetic coupling portions from the second loop wires.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement with relatively low disturbance susceptibility for measurement of a torque acting on a shaft, wherein the shaft has a first shaft section and a second shaft section and these two shaft sections can rotate with respect to one another, having at least one magnetic encoder which is arranged on the first shaft section, and having a stator which is arranged on the second shaft section, wherein the stator has two stator elements which each have projecting fingers, wherein at least one additional, second stator, likewise having two stator elements which each have projecting fingers, is arranged on the second shaft section, and these stators are associated with the magnetic encoder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit to enable the bio-degradability of a material to be observed. The kit includes: at least one environmental vessel formed from a non bio-degradable material having an opening that can be covered with a scalable lid for loading of the vessel, which vessel includes means so that the vessel can be sealed or ventilated if desired; at least one sample of a material to be tested. The sample to be tested can be located in the vessel and tested under the influence of a particular environment, which environment may be ventilated if desired.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a weathering test apparatus with an In situ, Real-time Color Measurement System (IRCMS) with an input optic connected to a light pipe placed in the chamber between a light source and a test specimen in turn connected to a color measuring sensor and the associated processing and storage system to determine the color of a specimen in a continuous fashion within the enclosure of the weathering device. The color obtained is then compared a stored value or reference to determine the color evolution over time and can also be compared with the Standard Reference Materials (SRM) to determine when standardized testing has achieved acceptable color change values.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a lubrication containment system is disclosed herein. In one lubrication containment system applicable to the inventive method, a seal runner can be fixed to the rotatable structure and seal against a static radial seal supported by the sump housing. The method of the invention includes the step of rotating the structure relative to the sump housing. The inventive method also includes the step of directing test fluid to the structure inside the sump housing. The inventive method also includes the step of quantifying an accumulation of test lubricant at the seal runner during rotation by omitting the radial seal from the lubrication containment system. As a result, test lubricant can pass out of the sump housing. The amount of test lubricant that passes out of the sump housing, past the location where the seal runner would be or would have been, corresponds to the amount of lubricant that accumulates at the seal runner during operation in the field.

Abstract: A release device having a multi-segment split spool with a central bore adapted to axially restrain a tensioned member. A tensioned tape is overlappingly wound around the spool segments thereby preventing radial movement of the spool segments. The overlapping winding allows for a low profile housing for the release device. The multiple segments require less radial motion for release of the tensioned member.

Abstract: A power steering device includes a first gear provided on the first shaft, the first gear having a centerline axis, and a second gear operatively connected to the first gear. The second gear includes a rotational axis that is maintained substantially coplanar with the centerline axis. The power steering device further includes a compliant member operatively connected with the second gear. The compliant member allows rotational compliance of the second gear while avoiding axial and radial compliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a geared, irreversible motion transmitting device comprising a massive casing supporting an input means and an output means, one end of the input means being fitted with a pinion whereas one end of the output means is fitted with a gear wheel, said pinion and said gear wheel constituting a gear system. Said gearwheel and pinion are designed in a manner that, in operation, pinion rotation generates an effective force acting a distance off the center (C2) of the gear wheel, thereby implementing a corresponding gear wheel rotation, whereas gear wheel rotation generates an effective force (F?2) acting near the pinion center in a way to avert generating a corresponding pinion rotation.

Abstract: A motorcycle foot control mechanism is described and claimed, said motorcycle foot control mechanism comprising a left rockerboard bracket, said rockerboard bracket being found on a left-hand side of a motorcycle in a left footrest position, said rockerboard bracket comprising a motorcycle footrest immovably affixed to a rockerboard bracket on a ventral side of said footrest, said rockerboard bracket being a member selected from the group consisting of a rockerboard bracket braking bracket and a rockerboard bracket shifting bracket, said rockerboard bracket comprising a toe end and a heel end; a right rockerboard bracket, said rockerboard bracket being found on a right-hand side of said motorcycle in a right footrest position, said rockerboard bracket comprising a motorcycle footrest immovably affixed to a rockerboard bracket on a ventral side of said footrest, said rockerboard bracket being a member selected from the group consisting of a rockerboard bracket braking bracket and a rockerboard bracket shifting

Abstract: The device comprises a drum mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation and having a plurality of guide grooves on its outer surface, and a corresponding plurality of engagement forks, each including a supporting portion supported slidably on the outer surface of the drum, a drive portion designed to drive a corresponding synchronizing sleeve of the gearbox, and a pin engaging in a corresponding guide groove of the drum. The guide grooves are shaped so as to produce, as a result of the rotation of the drum, a selective movement of the pins, together with the corresponding engagement forks, parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum according to predetermined operating modes, to cause each time the engagement of a given gear. The pins are positioned, with respect to the axis of rotation of the drum, on the same side of the drive portion of the engagement forks.

Abstract: The joint mechanism includes a first link, a second link, a third link, a shaft supported on the second link to be rotatable about an axis thereof, and movable in an axis direction thereof, a first worm and a second worm mounted on the shaft, a first worm wheel in mesh with the first worm to pivotally move the first link with respect to the second link, and a second worm wheel in mesh with the second worm to pivotally move the third link with respect to the second link. The first link and the third link are pivotally moved in opposite directions to each other by rotating the shaft, and pivotally moved in identical directions to each other by moving the shaft in the axis direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for displacing and positioning an object in a space, having at least three actuating arms that can pivot about a transmission axis. Each arm is connected to a motor unit/transmission unit. A carrier element is provided in order to arrange at least one gripping element for gripping the object. Each actuating arm, on the free ends thereof, has a first articulated axis that is parallel to the transmission axis with first articulated parts arranged at a distance from each other, of a first ball joint. The carrier element has a second articulated axis associated with each actuating arm with first articulated parts that are arranged at a distance in relation to each other, of a second ball joint. The first articulated axis is connected to the second articulated axis by a pair of connecting bars which include terminal second articulated parts.

Abstract: A geometric end effector system for use on a robot. The system includes a platform and a frame secured to the platform. At least one base is arranged at a predetermined position on the frame. The system also has an anchor mount secured to the base and a component connected to an end of the anchor mount by a collar assembly. A key is arranged between the component and the anchor mount.

Abstract: A control cable adjuster including a first adjusting element with a first engagement portion, a second adjusting element with a second engagement portion coupled to the first engagement portion, and a rigid cover removably coupled to at least one of the first adjusting element and the second adjusting element. The second adjusting element configured for adjustable axial movement relative to the first adjusting element while maintaining the first and second engagement portions coupled together. The rigid cover is movable between a covered position where the rigid cover substantially covers a portion of the first engagement portion, and an exposed position where the rigid cover substantially exposes a portion of the first engagement portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to handle stops. More particularly, the invention encompasses a positive handle stop for a switch. The positive handle stop for a switch, such as, a safety switch, prevents the handle of a switch from returning to the shipping position once the switch is turned ON. The invention also includes a shipping position for the inventive handle so as to reduce the size of the packaging need to ship the switch apparatus.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal comprises a pedal body having two pairs of wings extended from two opposite sides of the pedal body; a pivot shaft passing through the receiving space of the pair of wings for assembling with a press unit and an adjusting hook; a positioning hook being installed adjacent to the adjusting hook; the press units resist against the pedal body and the adjusting hook for providing a clamping force to the adjusting hook; each adjusting hook having a clamping portion; and each clamping portion having an adjusting stud which resists against the press units; and the adjusting stud being vertical to a treading surface of the pedal body; by tightening or releasing the adjusting stud, the clamping force of the adjusting hook is adjustable. The components above mentioned is updateable easily and conveniently and can be cleaned easily; and the adjustment of the clamping force is adjusted conveniently.

Abstract: Bicycle pedal with automatic attachment and detachment, comprising a body (2) rotating on a spindle (3) with a front stop means (4) suitable for engaging with a mating stop surface (5) located on a cleat (6) fixed to the sole of the shoe of the user, and a retaining member (9) rotating about a hinge axis parallel to the pedal axis and able to be applied by an elastic return means to the cleat to lock the cleat to the pedal. The elastic return means comprises a flexing element (B, 18), one end of which is housed in the pedal body, and the other end of which bears against the retaining member (9).

Abstract: A sleeve supporting structure for an automatic transmission, including a sleeve member disposed on a radial outside of an input shaft, a rotational shaft portion disposed in a motor, an oil pump housing, and a stationary member supporting an outer circumferential surface of the rotational shaft portion and including a projection that projects toward a side of the oil pump. The sleeve member has one axial end portion overlapped with the rotational shaft portion in the radial direction thereof and an opposite axial end portion meshing with an inner gear of the oil pump, and is supported by an inner circumferential surface of the oil pump housing and an inner circumferential surface of the rotational shaft portion. The projection of the stationary member is fitted onto an outer circumferential surface of the oil pump housing so as to form a faucet joint in cooperation therewith.

Abstract: Recovering metallic materials, such as copper, from waste materials. The A dynamic sensor measures the rate of change of current generated by metallic materials in the waste materials. Preprocessing and post processing of the waste materials may be completed to further concentrate the amount the metallic materials recovered from the waste.

Abstract: A method for introducing a cored wire into a bath of molten metal includes extracting the cored wire from a reel, and making it run into the molten metal bath, one part of the path traveled by the cored wire being formed in a guide tube, whose distal end is at a defined height above the surface of the metal bath. The cored wire is driven and subjected to a straightening operation under conditions practically not altering its substantially circular cross section and allowing it to be introduced and penetrate into the depth of the bath in a vertical direction. The installation includes elements for driving the cored wire from a reel, a guide tube for guiding the cored wire, and elements for straightening the cored wire that are placed in front of its entry into the guide tube, the straightening elements being capable of giving the cored wire a straight direction without altering its circular cross section.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an agglomerated material that is used for producing metallic iron by heat reduction in a moving hearth-type reducing furnace, wherein the agglomerated material can have a high mechanical strength without increases in the binder content and the moisture content of the material mixture. The method for producing an agglomerated material used for producing metallic iron, wherein the agglomerated material is produced by agglomerating a material mixture containing an iron-oxide-containing material, a carbonaceous reducing agent, a binder, and moisture; drying the material mixture; and charging and heating the material mixture in a moving hearth-type reducing furnace to reduce the iron oxide contained in the material mixture with the carbonaceous reducing agent, wherein a carbohydrate is used as the binder and the material mixture is left to stand prior to the agglomeration.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pair of laparoscopic scissors, comprising a pair of blades connected at a pivot, each of the blades having a length, a tip portion, a body portion, an outer surface, an inner surface and a cutting edge, the cutting edge forming an angle with the outer surface along the length of the blade such that tension during a cutting operation at the tip portion is about the same as tension at the body portion during the cutting operation. The angle formed may be greater at the tip portion which continuously decreases over the length of the blade. The tip portion may have a first body thickness and the body portion may have a second body thickness different from the first body thickness. During the cutting operation, the blades progressively move over each other to provide a point contact along the cutting edges.

Abstract: A kit for repairing and inflating inflatable articles comprises a compressor unit, a container unit containing a sealant fluid and a fluidic line to connect the compressor unit to the container unit. The kit also comprises a first non-return valve placed along the fluidic line, a duct connected to the fluidic line between the compressor unit and the first non-return valve and a second non-return valve to close the duct; the first and second non-return valves are normally closed and respectively open automatically when the container unit is connected to the fluidic line or when the duct is connected to the inflatable item.

Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver includes a handle having a hole co-axially defined in the handle. A ratchet mechanism is co-axially received in the hole in the handle and comprises a ratchet wheel for driving the ratchet screwdriver with bi-directional operating and a selector for selectively determining the operational direction of the ratchet wheel. A driving shaft is relatively and co-axially mounted in the ratchet mechanism and ratchetly and bi-directionally driven by the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spud wrench and a spud wrench kit. The spud wrench may include a lever, a socket and an insert. The socket may include an aperture capable of receiving the lever within, wherein the socket may include an enlarged end. The insert may include an aperture in a first side and an opening in a second side, wherein the lever may be capable of insertion within the aperture of the first side. In addition, the socket may be capable of moving relative to the lever and the insert may be capable of moving relative to the socket. The spud wrench kit may further include a socket wrench, a case and inserts of various shapes and sizes and sockets of various shapes and sizes. The inserts and the sockets may be interchangeably used with the lever in numerous manners.

Abstract: A tool for installing a wire nut connector onto at least two wires includes an injection molded device having an orifice arranged on a distal face of the device for accepting a wire nut. This wire nut orifice includes a through opening and a plurality of curved regions arranged therein for contacting ridges on an exterior of the wire nuts during installation and removal. Pairs of stepped shoulders are arranged within the wire nut orifice for accepting wings on an exterior of the wire nuts. In a first embodiment, the tool includes a rotating handle. In a second embodiment the device includes a square opening on the proximal face for accepting an end of a ratcheting drive.

Abstract: A wrench. The wrench is usable with a screwdriver head. The screwdriver head defines a screwdriver head effective portion and a screwdriver head attachment portion. The wrench includes a substantially elongated telescopic handle. The telescopic handle defines a handle first end and a substantially longitudinally opposed handle second end. The telescopic handle is configurable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The handle first and second ends are closer to each other in the retracted configuration than in the extended configuration. The telescopic handle defines a handle first recess extending substantially longitudinally into the telescopic handle into the telescopic handle from the handle first end towards the handle second end and a handle second recess extending substantially longitudinally into the telescopic handle from the handle second end towards the handle first end.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus for configuring a wheel associated with a train. The apparatus comprises a tool configured to engage the wheel; a compound slide system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axes; and a computer control coupled to control the compound slide system. The compound slide system is controlled so that the wheel is configured in accordance with a profile.

Abstract: A tool main spindle, whose cutting angle can be changed, is translated by an X-axis moving mechanism portion on an X-axis provided in a plane perpendicular to an axis of a work; and is translated on a Y-axis by a Y-axis moving mechanism portion. Cutting of the work is performed by setting the cutting angle of the tool main spindle to an angle of the cutting tool at which the work has large dynamic rigidity, and causing an axis of a cutting tool to cross the work axis, and cutting the work with the cutting tool toward the axis of the work by cooperatively operating the X-axis moving mechanism portion and the Y-axis moving mechanism portion.

Abstract: A table saw includes a base assembly, a table assembly supported by the base assembly, a saw assembly having a blade extending through the table assembly, and a riving knife assembly connected to the saw assembly. The riving knife assembly has a removable riving knife, and a riving knife locking mechanism for locking the riving knife in the riving knife assembly. A handle is mounted to the base assembly or the table assembly, and is connected to the riving knife locking mechanism for releasing the riving knife without using additional tools.

Abstract: The present invention includes a cutting device including a table and a cutting unit disposed on an upper side of the table and vertically movably supported by the table via a slide mechanism. The slide mechanism enables the cutting unit to slide in a sliding direction relative to the table within a plane substantially parallel to a surface of the table. A slide lock mechanism can lock and unlock the sliding movement of the cutting unit and includes an operation member operable to slide for locking and unlocking the sliding movement.

Abstract: A table saw includes a base assembly, a table assembly supported by the base assembly, a saw assembly connected to at least one of the base assembly and the table assembly, the saw assembly having a blade extending through the table assembly, a height adjustment assembly for adjusting the height of the blade, the height adjustment assembly comprising a height adjustment wheel, and bevel adjustment assembly for adjusting the bevel angle of the blade, the bevel adjustment assembly comprising a bevel adjustment wheel. The height and bevel adjustment wheels are disposed at the front of the base assembly. The position of the height and bevel adjustment wheels relative to the front of the base assembly does not change regardless of the blade height and bevel angle.

Abstract: An articulating band saw apparatus provides a frame that includes a vertically extending section having upper and lower end portions. An elevator moves between the upper and lower end portions of the frame. A first hydraulic actuator is supported on the elevator for movement therewith. A first arm provides arm end portions, the first arm supported by the first hydraulic actuator. An end of the first arm supporting a second hydraulic actuator that is spaced away from the first hydraulic actuator. The second hydraulic actuator supports a second arm. An endless band type saw is mounted on the free end of the second arm generally opposite the second actuator. The band saw is movable by articulation of the first and second actuators and resulting movement of the first and second arms. In one embodiment, the band saw is a diamond wire saw.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for introducing weakening cuts in a film or skin (24) containing a cutting knife (12) and a support (18) arranged in opposition to the cutting knife, wherein the film or skin can be placed between the support and the cutting knife and borne by the support, and the cutting knife is movable relative to the film or skin. In order to ensure a defined residual wall thickness, the invention proposes that the distance between the cutting knife and the support in the direction of the cutting axis (19) can be designed to be kept constant by a device.

Abstract: An ergonomic guitar including a contoured guitar body, a neck attached to the body, and a headstock on the distal end of the neck. A plurality of strings extending from the headstock to the body, a portion of the strings lying on a playing plane over the body. The contoured guitar body includes a front face located on a front or playing side of the body with a front edge extending around the periphery of the front face, and a rear face located on the back of the body and having a rear edge extending around the periphery of the rear face. At least a portion of the rear edge having a concave curvature relative to the playing plane such that the curved portion of the rear edge curves away from the playing plane.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, having components made from glass, and methods of manufacturing and assembling the same are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides for manufacturing a glass fretboard, manufacturing glass frets, assembling the glass frets to the fretboard, and assembling the fretboard to the neck of the stringed instrument. In addition to the fretboard and frets, other components of the stringed instrument may also be made from glass. For example, the present invention further provides a method for manufacturing glass saddles and top nuts to allow the strings of the stringed instrument to substantially entirely contact glass. This produces a clean, crisp sound and overcomes the problem of generating an inferior sound that results from the imperfections found in natural wood components, for example.

Abstract: A fully adjustable compensated guitar nut is claimed to allow the strings of a guitar to be separately and continuously intonated accurately and easily whenever necessary. The nut employs small adjustable saddles, equal in number to the strings of the instrument. A vertical adjustment screw allows for vertical adjustment of string height (string action) and accommodation of various fingerboard radiuses and a horizontal adjustment screw allows for adjustment of the distance between the nut and the bridge of the instrument, allowing for precise intonation. In addition to vertical adjustment screws, shims can be added under the saddles for further vertical adjustment. This adjustable compensated guitar nut allows for correction of intonation problems related to scale length, string elasticity, string gauge, variation in fret height, variation in guitar action (height of strings above the finger board), as well as finger pressure of the fretting hand (playing style).

Abstract: A hand held percussion musical instrument including: a thin walled resonance chamber and a first rigid coil having a first end attached to the resonance chamber such as by welding. The first rigid coil has a length perpendicular to the surface of the resonance chamber and; the first coil includes a plurality of individual wire wraps each wrap spaced from adjacent wraps. A second end of the first coil is spaced from the resonance chamber such that striking the first coil produces first musical tones amplified by said resonance chamber. The resonance chamber can be held between the user's thumb and middle finger such that the coil can be struck or filtered by the user's index finger during play.

Abstract: A drum shell is constituted of at least one laminate wood in which at least one fiber-reinforced layer (e.g. a carbon fabric) is inserted between two wooden materials via the adhesive and which is rolled up in a cylindrical shape. By setting the mass per unit area of the fiber-reinforced layer ranging from 5 g/m2 to 75 g/m2, it is possible to prevent the detachment of fibers inside the fiber-reinforced layer while controlling the shearing loss with respect to the laminate wood. The drum shell is equipped with at least one drumhead so as to produce a drum with a high sound quality and with a fine-grained exterior appearance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a musical percussion instrument including a barrel and a membrane, being stretched over at least one of the openings and being in the form of a disc of appropriate material. The membrane has a device to collaborate with a complementary device of the barrel or a support to allow the membrane to be attached to the barrel with the application of tension. This musical instrument is characterized in that the membrane is equipped with devices defined by a series of holes, uniformly distributed at the periphery of the disc and through which a series of ties are intended to be anchored, at least part of the ties being capable of being secured to an element that forms an integral part of the barrel or of a support thereof.

Abstract: The foot pedal lock comprising a swing arm rotatably mounted within a support allows a foot pedal of a hi-hat or other instrument to be quickly and easily locked in position. In one embodiment, the foot pedal lock is attached to the front portion of a foot pedal. The swing arm may be rotated forward such that its locking member or members contact a retaining structure or similar structure attached to the foot pedal's stand. The contact between the swing arm and the retaining structure secure the foot pedal in place. The foot pedal may be unlocked by depressing the foot pedal further so that a arm biasing device may retract the swing arm when to unlock the foot pedal.

Abstract: A stringed instrument tuner that detects vibrations of the string being played via an integrated circuit and displays the nearest musical note value and the deviation of that strings pitch relative to an in-tune reference pitch This tuner has a clothes pin like design that allows it to be easily mounted on a stringed instrument, such as a guitar, by squeezing the top legs of the device and applying pressure to the coil mechanism to exert force on the lower jaws so that that they open up to allow clamping and securement onto the instrument. The electronics housing is built into one of the legs of the clothes pin tuner adjacent to where the user squeezes the clothes pin with their thumb.

Abstract: A lighting system is described that is completely controlled and operated by the drummer of a musical band through cymbal crashes. An omni-directional, cat whisker style actuator electric limit switch is to be mounted to a standard cymbal stand just beneath the cymbal. A specifically modified actuator of the switch rests lightly on the underside of the cymbal. As the cymbal is struck, the downward motion of the cymbal and switch actuator closes the electrical contacts in the switch completing an electrical circuit. An associated outlet receptacle box wired schematically completes the lighting system and allows the user to plug in any standard light of choice. The novelty of this invention provides for an “on cue” and simultaneous flash of light as the cymbal is struck.

Abstract: A method and device of synchronizing at least one multimedia peripheral of a portable communication device with a synthetic audio file include storing parameters in the portable communication device. The parameters include a list of preferred instruments. Information is read from the synthetic audio file. The information relates to an instrument corresponding to each track available in the synthetic audio file. A track is selected from among the tracks available in the synthetic audio file based on the list of preferred instruments. At least one synchronization signal is generated from the synthetic audio file using the selected track.

Abstract: A method and kit for teaching keyboard to children and/or adults with autism and developmental disabilities. A simplified, backwards approach to teaching keyboard, where the student learns how to play songs first (by way of letter and/or picture connection) and theory comes at a later time. The method is a visual and auditory approach to teaching keyboard which incorporates Applied Behavioral Analysis for learning and behavior modification. The method and kit includes specific flash cards (used in discrete trials), games (play therapy), and a special designed music/song book (oversized staff paper with oversized notes). This method and kit helps the student to stay on task and master the skill of playing the keyboard (piano), which gives the student an instantaneous sense of accomplishment without any (or minimal) frustration.

Abstract: A volume adjusting apparatus includes a sound collecting unit configured to collect noise data of a surrounding environment, an analyzing unit configured to extract a feature value indicating a feature of the noise data collected by the sound collecting unit and a feature value indicating a feature of supplied musical tune data, and a control unit configured to generate volume adjustment information for adjusting playback volume of the musical tune data based on the feature value of the noise data and the feature value of the musical tune data and adjusts the playback volume of the musical tune data based on the volume adjustment information.

Abstract: A pickup is provided in an electric guitar to detect sound generated by the electric guitar. The pickup is fitted between the housing of the body of the electric guitar and a string. The pickup includes a magnetostrictor the magnetic characteristic of which varies depending on the vibration of the string; a detector operative to detect the variation in the magnetic characteristic of the magnetostrictor as an electric signal; and a supplier operative to supply the electric signal detected by the detector to a signal processor. Certain stress is applied to the magnetostrictor by the string of the electric guitar and the housing of the body.