Abstract: A method for predicting the performance of tubular goods includes using a computer readable three-dimensional representation of tubular good which includes computer readable measurements of discrete segments of the wall of said tubular acquired by ultrasonic detection means, along with associated data representing the position of discrete segment and optionally ovality data to predict the effect of stress conditions, including tensile, bending, collapse, burst and aging forces upon said tubular and optionally analyzing sequential inspection of the same tubular good over a period of time predict when failure is likely to occur, and to avoid failure while maximizing the use of the tubular good.

Abstract: There is disclosed a redundant pressure sensing chip which includes first and second redundant devices. Each pressure sensing device produces an output proportional to applied pressure irrespective of vibration/acceleration of the device. Each device also provides an output proportional to pressure and because of the nature of the devices, thermal effects as well as acceleration and the vibration are canceled. Based on chip operation and subtracting the signals from the two diaphragms, acceleration/vibration is canceled but also the effects of absolute pressure and differential pressure is also canceled. Therefore the chip can be used as a redundant absolute pressure sensor as well as a differential pressure sensor.

Abstract: A pressure sensor according to the present invention comprises: a differential pressure diaphragm; a static pressure diaphragm, which is provided to an outer perimeter part of the differential pressure diaphragm; a first static pressure gauge pair that is formed in the end part of the static pressure diaphragm and comprises two static pressure gauges, which are disposed such that they sandwich the differential pressure diaphragm; and a second static pressure gauge pair that is formed in the center part of the static pressure diaphragm and comprises two static pressure gauges which are disposed such that they sandwich the differential pressure diaphragm.

Abstract: A pressure sensor according to the present invention comprises: a differential pressure diaphragm, which is provided to a center part of a sensor chip; a differential pressure gauge, which is provided to a perimeter edge part of the differential pressure diaphragm and is formed in radial directions; a differential pressure gauge, which is disposed at a position at which it opposes the differential pressure gauge and, together with the first differential pressure gauge, sandwiches the differential pressure diaphragm and is formed in perimeter directions, which are perpendicular to the radial directions; a differential pressure gauge, which is provided in the vicinity of the differential pressure gauge and is provided in the perimeter directions; a differential pressure gauge, which is disposed at a position at which it opposes the differential pressure gauge and, together with the differential pressure gauge, sandwiches the differential pressure diaphragm and is formed in the radial directions; a static pressu

Abstract: A pressure transducer, particularly adapted to measure the pressure in a tire and to enable the tire to be filled includes a first housing, having an internal hollow. Positioned in the hollow of the first housing is a second housing, also having an internal hollow. The second housing is supported within the first housing so that a passageway for airflow exists between the housings. The second housing has a pressure port for monitoring the pressure of a tire. The first housing has an inlet port for receiving a source of pressure. The inlet port contains a valve which is selectively operated. The valve, when operated, permits air to flow into the hollow of the first housing and to flow about the periphery of the second housing to enter the pressure port associated with the second housing. The pressure port may, as indicated, be associated with a tire and the second housing contains a pressure sensing device which monitors the pressure in the tire via the pressure port.

Abstract: A process transmitter for measuring a process variable in an industrial process comprises a sensor module, a heating device and transmitter circuitry. The sensor module has a sensor for sensing a process variable of an industrial process and generating a sensor signal. The heating device is connected to the sensor module for generating a heat pulse to influence generation of the sensor signal. The transmitter circuitry is connected to the sensor and the heating device. The transmitter circuitry verifies operation of the sensor by measuring a change in the sensor signal due to the heat pulse. In one embodiment of the invention, the heat pulse thermally expands a volume of a fill fluid within the process transmitter. In another embodiment, the heat pulse changes a physical property, such as dielectric, of a fill fluid within the process transmitter.

Abstract: A compact vibratory flowmeter (200) for measuring flow characteristics of a multi-phase flow material at a flow material pressure of greater than about 10 pounds-per-square-inch (psi) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The compact vibratory flowmeter (200) includes one or more flow conduits (301), at least two pickoff sensors (308), and a driver (309). The compact vibratory flowmeter (200) further includes a maximum water drive frequency in the one or more flow conduits (301) that is less than about 250 Hertz (Hz) and an aspect ratio (L/H) of the one or more flow conduits (301) that is greater than about 2.5. A height-to-bore ratio (H/B) of the one or more flow conduits (301) is less than about 10 and a bowed flow conduit geometry includes end bend angles ? of between about 120 degrees and about 170 degrees.

Abstract: A process for continuous measurement of a dynamic fluid consumption, particularly fuel consumption, uses a continuously working flow rate sensor (7) with variable pressure drop, preferably a mass flow sensor, whereby the pressure downstream of the flow rate sensor (7) is determined for controlling the transport of fluid. In order to make a continuous, precise, and also chronologically highly resolved measurement of consumption and the highly dynamic determination of the flow rate value possible with a design that is as simple as possible, at least at one point in time, the pressure directly upstream of the flow rate sensor (7), the difference of the two pressure values is also determined, and based on this difference, a value for the flow rate of the fluid is determined.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a gas sampling system capable of taking discreet samples from a continuous flow of gas or fluid. Said apparatus offers a frame (1) and mounting components in the form of a fixed chuck (4) and a spring-loaded chuck with a sample container (5) mounted there between. The sampling container has self-sealing end cap valve assemblies (76) that automatically open when the sample container (5) communicates with the fixed chuck (4) and the spring loaded chuck (6) and the end cap valve assembly automatically closes when the sample container is removed. A value system allows the gas flow to be directed from one sample container to the other alternatively opening and closing a gas flow path. A sample extraction assembly (14) allows the efficient removal of samples from the sample containers.

Abstract: A specimen processing device comprising: a specimen processing unit for processing specimens; a first conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from a carry-in side towards a carry-out side on the opposite side of the carry-in side with respect to the specimen processing unit through a specimen supply position for supplying specimens to the specimen processing unit; a second conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens from the carry-in side towards the carry-out side without passing the specimen supply position; a first control device for controlling the first conveyance mechanism; and a second control device for controlling the second conveyance mechanism, is disclosed. A specimen conveyance device and a specimen conveyance method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Sample carrier in form of a microliter pipette tip for securing microbiological, virological, genetic, medical, veterinary medical, forensic, criminalistic and technical samples, having technical means for being attachable to a tip holder, a conventional microliter pipette or a medical syringe and having an opposite pointed outlet with an opening, characterized in that a sample collector is attached in such a way directly in the region of said opening, that wetting of the sample collection is feasible from the inside of the microliter pipette tip through said opening.

Abstract: Forensic pipette on the basis of a microliter pipette tip having a pipette body composed of screwed together a pipette's upper, middle, and lower parts and a syringe inserted into the middle part, characterized in that in said screwed state a cannula is guided from an outlet of said lower part through a screw connection into said middle part and thus into the interior of the syringe body, wherein said connection of the cannula with the interior can be established during a screwing operation by piercing the syringe body, in that in the region of the outlet a sample carrier is provided with a sample collector having the basic shape of a microliter pipette tip, and in that said syringe piston is connected with a fine advancement drive and with a control element in form of a knurled screw for a dosed force exertion onto the syringe content.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a pipetting device with means for detachably connecting with at least one pipette tip, at least one displacement device, a driving device for driving a displacement member of the displacement device and an adjustment device with a lead screw nut and a lead screw for adjusting the metering volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling system that can particularly be applied for interfacing a consumable component with a sample chamber to a laboratory instrument for processing a sample fluid. The coupling system comprises a female interface module (10) integrated into the consumable component that has an elastic 5 sealing component (12) with a preformed channel (12a). Moreover, it comprises a male interface module (20) integrated into the instrument and comprising a hollow needle (23) fixed in a first section (22a) of a bush (22), wherein the flexible free end of said needle (23) is partially surrounded by a second section (22b) of the bush that limits the lateral movement of the needle. The diameter of the channel in the sealing 10 component (12) is preferably smaller than the diameter (d) of the needle (23), thus providing an airtight connection and a self-cleaning effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing at least one specimen slide and at least one cassette comprising a sample that is embedded in a sample block and that is to be processed, a microtome comprising this apparatus, and a method for handling multiple cassettes and multiple specimen slides are described. A cassette magazine receives at least one cassette having at least one sample block. A slide magazine receives at least one specimen slide. At least one connecting element for connecting the cassette magazine and the slide magazine mechanically with each other is provided. This allows handling at least one cassette and at least one specimen slide together in a simple and efficient manner.

Abstract: Described are devices for retaining a nonporous substrate, as well as methods for their use, the devices comprising a housing for receiving the nonporous substrate, a removable well insert attached to the housing and adjacently coplanar to the substrate, the well insert having at least one opening that, together with the substrate, defines a well, and means for exerting a force against the substrate such that the substrate engages the well insert with sufficient force to attain a fluid-tight seal in the well.

Abstract: A multi-position rotary detent assembly operable to selectively retain a first component and a second component in a first position, a second position, and at least one intermediate position is provided. The detent assembly includes a first biasing assembly urging the first component into the first position. A cam plate is disposed opposite a guide pin assembly and has a cam path having a first detent feature and at least one intermediate detent feature. The guide pin is configured to engage the cam plate and is movable along the cam path. The first component is in the first position when the guide pin engages the first detent feature, is placed in an intermediate position when the guide pin engages a corresponding intermediate detent feature, and is urged into in the second position when disengaged from the cam path.

Abstract: A component for transmitting torque between a gear unit and a shaft includes a ring gear portion, a park brake drum portion formed integrally with the ring gear portion, a disc portion formed integrally with the park brake drum portion, and a hub portion formed integrally with the disc portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sledge drive unit which comprises a motor drive, a first spur gear, a second spur gear, and a gear rack, wherein the motor drive is provided with a worm as its rotation axis and the axis is tilted in an angle ?1 so that the angle between the axis of the worm and the axis of the first spur gear is 90-?1 degree, in which the angle ?1 is equal to the helix angle of the worm, and the angle ?2 of the spur gear what is engaged with the worm is equal to 0°.

Abstract: A method of forming a powder metal forging, which includes the steps of providing a preform including a sintered powder metal composition; inserting the preform in at least one part of a die set having a top die and a bottom die, at least one of the top die and the bottom die defining a helical forge form therewithin; closing the die set wherein the top die is contacting the bottom die; and compressing the preform in the forge form using an upper punch including a core rod and a lower punch, the compressing step occurring after the closing step, the compressing step resulting in a formed part having a helical outer surface. The method and apparatus of the present invention is particularly advantageous when forming a powder metal forging helical outer surface and an inner contour such as a cylindrical inside diameter.

Abstract: A method for forming a component includes forming a workpiece into a hollow preform cylinder concentric with an axis and including an inner surface that extends along the axis, placing within the preform cylinder a mandrel having an outer surface, flow-forming the inner surface and the outer surface of the preform cylinder such that the inner surface of the cylinder conforms to at least a portion of the outer surface of the mandrel, and cutting the flow formed cylinder transversely with respect to the axis into segments, each segment having an axial length.

Abstract: A transmission control assembly having a housing and a bracket pivotally coupled to the housing for movement along a first path. A yoke is selectively coupled to the bracket for concurrent movement with the bracket along the first path. The yoke is also selectively pivotal about a second pivot axis substantially transverse to the first pivot axis for movement along a second path. A tactile device is supported by the bracket and engageable with the housing. The tactile device moves about the bracket during the movement of the bracket along the first path. A locking mechanism is coupled between the bracket and the yoke. The locking mechanism moves between an unlocked position when the yoke is coupled to the bracket for allowing movement of the tactile device and a locked position engaged with the tactile device when the yoke moves along the second path for preventing movement of the tactile device.

Abstract: A gear shift mechanism of a gear shift transmission having a plurality of gears is described. A first movable gear shift fork and at least one second movable gear shift fork are provided for engaging gears of the gear shift transmission and assuming a neutral position as well as an engaged position where a gear allocated to a respective one of the first and second gear shift forks is engaged. A locking mechanism comprising a locking element is provided that prevents that both gear shift forks can assume at the same time unintentionally an engaged position. The locking mechanism is designed such that in a locking position a force for moving the first gear shift fork out of its neutral position does not generate a resulting component of force that would force the locking element against the second gear shift fork.

Abstract: A bicycle component body assembly comprises a body member, a first interchangeable sub-part, a second interchangeable sub-part, and a sub-part retaining structure. The body member includes a sub-part mounting area. The first interchangeable sub-part is interchangeably coupled to the sub-part mounting area of the body member to form a first body configuration. The second interchangeable sub-part is interchangeably coupled to the sub-part mounting area of the body member to form a second body configuration that is different from the first body configuration. The sub-part retaining structure alternately retains, one at a time, the first and second interchangeable sub-parts to the sub-part mounting area of the body member to selectively attain the first body configuration when the first interchangeable sub-part is coupled to the sub-part mounting area of the body member and attain the second body configuration when the second interchangeable sub-part is coupled to the sub-part mounting area of the body member.

Abstract: A cover assembly for covering a steering column of a telescoping steering assembly is provided. The cover assembly includes a roller portion, a blind portion, and a clip portion. The roller portion is attached within a meter panel, and includes a rod mounted between a pair of tensioners. The blind portion includes a film that is attached at a proximal end to the rod, such that the film is wound and unwound around the rod. The rod is biased by the tensioners to pull the film in a wound direction. At a distal end, the film is attached to the clip portion. The clip portion engages a hook in the film and attaches the film to a steering base. As the steering column moves in a linear, telescoping manner, the film covers the steering column while remaining taut.

Abstract: A bicycle control device includes a lever for actuating a brake control mechanism and a shift control mechanism in a cable-release direction and a cable-pull direction. The lever is rotatable about a brake axis to actuate the brake control mechanism and rotatable about a shift axis to actuate the shift control mechanism in the cable-release direction and in the cable-pull direction. The bicycle control device is configured to not displace the shift control mechanism upon actuation of the brake control mechanism.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal device having a pedal arm working in conjunction with an accelerating pedal, a housing to rotatably support the pedal arm around a prescribed pivot axis line between a rest position and a maximum applied position, a hysteresis generation mechanism that comes in contact with the vicinity of an upper end of the pedal arm to generate hysteresis in a pedal force of the accelerator pedal, and an active control mechanism to push back the pedal arm toward the rest position under prescribed conditions between the pivot axis line and the hysteresis generation mechanism. The active control mechanism includes a drive source provided in the housing, and a return lever that is rotated in the same direction as the direction of the swinging of the pedal arm in conjunction with the drive source and is detachably engaged with the vicinity of the upper end of the pedal arm.

Abstract: A flywheel device includes a rotatable wheel that can have a rotatable composite rim structure with multiple radial layers of metallic material. The metallic material can have surfaces covered with a coat of cyanoacrylate type adhesive. Radially adjacent layers of the metallic material can be bonded together with a thermosetting polymer resin bonded to and between opposing coats of cyanoacrylate type adhesive covering the surfaces of the metallic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising a crankshaft (100) and least one conrod (200) having a big end (202) mounted on a crank pin (102) of the crankshaft (100). The crank pin (102) and the big end (201) of the conrod (200) comprise bearing surfaces (108, 202) which are in close contact to one another in a load-bearing area that bear the forces acting between the big end (201) of the conrod and crank pink (102) when the device is operated. According to the invention the bearing surface (108) of the crank pin (102) in its load-bearing area features a concavely curved profile in the longitudinal shaft section and the bearing surface of the big end (201) features a convex profile being in close contact with the concave profile of the crank pin (102).

Abstract: A power transmission device that includes an uppermost side bearing; a lower side bearing; an uppermost side lubricating medium storage portion defined between the uppermost side bearing and the case to guide a lubricating medium to the uppermost side bearing; a lower side lubricating medium storage portion defined between the lower side bearing and the case to guide a lubricating medium to the lower side bearing, and located below the uppermost side lubricating medium storage portion when installing the power transmission device for a vehicle on the vehicle; and a communicating passage formed in the case to communicate the uppermost side lubricating medium storage portion and the lower side lubricating medium storage portion with each other.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for an exercise apparatus frame base includes a housing made of lightweight material with a positioning cavity having a through hole. A covering cap having a circular internal rim is integrally formed within the positioning cavity and made by high strength material an injection molding process is performed. The bottom of the covering cap includes an axle hole corresponding to the through hole. The top of the covering cap has an opening with a positioning flange extending outwards. In this way, the drawback that the inside of the conventional plastic housing is easily damaged by the transmission gear can be eliminated. As a result, the weight can be minimized and the strength can be maintained.

Abstract: A condiment opening tool includes a central connecting body having first and second opposite ends, at least one prong having a pointed end, and mounted to the first end of the connecting body so as to extend the pointed end away from said connecting body. A pair of arms are mounted to the second end of the connecting body to as to extend away from the connecting body in substantially oppositely disposed relation to the prong or prongs. The pair of arms include first and second arms. The prong may be a pair of prongs. A pointed piercing member is mounted on, and perpendicularly to, a distal end of said first arm so as to be directed towards a distal end of said second arm. The point of the piercing member is adjacent the distal end of the second arm has so as to define a gap therebetween sized for sliding a condiment packet into the gap. The arms are deflected to pierce the packet with the point.

Abstract: A tool having a relatively ductile working end for engaging workpieces and a relatively hard non-working portion for driving the tool is disclosed, and a process for making same. The tool is formed with the material in a first state, such as by cold-working, and then only the non-working portion is heat treated to a second state. The working end is thus maintained in the ductile state while the non-working portion is hardened, thus imparting different materials performance characteristics to working end and non-working portion.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus and a method apparatus for making up and breaking out tubular connections. In one embodiment, the gripping apparatus comprises an outer gear, a plurality of rollers coupled to the outer gear, an inner ring, a passive jaw, and a pair of active jaws pivotably coupled to the inner ring. The active jaws include camming surfaces for positioning, securing, actuating, and retracting the active jaws upon rotation of the outer gear. The gripping apparatus may further include a control switch operable to maintain the gripping apparatus in a make up mode or a break out mode regardless of rotation of the outer gear.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench allowing ratcheting rotations for applying a series of turning strokes to a bolt without disengaging between the strokes. The ratchet wrench has a wrench body and a ratcheting jaw. The wrench body has a head and a curved slot. The head has an inner surface. The curved slot is formed in the inner surface of the head. The ratcheting jaw is slidably mounted in the curved slot for applying a torque to a blot head during a rotation in the forward direction as well as for ratcheting rotation during a backward rotation.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench structure includes a main body, a movable body, and an adjusting wheel. The adjusting wheel is adapted to control the movable body to move forwards or backwards with respect to the main body such that the movable body and the main body are adjusted to form a gap at the same end for screwing a nut or bolt. The adjusting wheel of is located at a rear section of the wrench so the user does not have to move his/her hand forward and backward. The adjusting wheel is fitted on outer side of the wrench to allow oversize design to screw the nut or bold easily and effortlessly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, rotating and with variable diameter, for the inner machining of pieces. In one embodiment, the device includes a fixing body, a rotating support generally in the shape of a cup suited to house a tool carrier spindle and set it in rotation, and a mechanism for the radial translation of the tool carrier spindle in the cup-shaped rotating support. The tool carrier spindle is housed in the cup-shaped support and translates in a radial direction with respect to the axis of the cup-shaped support. The cup-shaped rotating support rotates around its own axis and is preferably set in rotation by a stepping or variable-speed electric motor controlled via PLC.

Abstract: Disclosed is a numerically controlled lathe 100 which includes a head stock 110 which rotatably supports a spindle 120; a guide bush 170 disposed so as to face the head stock 110 and configured to support one end of a bar-like workpiece W extending from the spindle 120; and a tool post 130 having a tool T1 to process the workpiece W supported by the spindle 120 and the guide bush 170, the guide bush 170 being movable in the same direction as a spindle axis C, the lathe further including a first processing region A which is provided between the guide bush 170 and the spindle 120 and in which the workpiece W is processed by the tool T1 attached to the tool post 130.

Abstract: An embedded sensor or other desired device is provided within a completed structure through a solid-state bonding process (e.g., by diffusion bonding) and/or through a dynamic bonding process (e.g., by brazing). The embedded sensor or other desired device is provided on a substrate through any know or later-developed method (e.g., a photolithography or conductive ink printing process). A cover is then bonded to the substrate using a solid-state bonding process and/or a dynamic bonding process. The solid-state bonding process and/or dynamic bonding process may include providing heat and/or pressure to the substrate, the cover and/or a bonding agent (e.g., a filler metal or alloy) to bond the substrate and the cover together.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of superabsorbent polymers on a continuous belt reactor, comprising at least one rotating knife that cuts the formed polymer gel at the end of the continuous belt reactor, wherein the length of the cutting edge is at least 1 cm and the cutting edge is non-parallel to the rotation axis.

Abstract: A perforation apparatus has a mandrel to support at least a part of the piping that is to be perforated from the interior of the piping. A punch housing has an aperture through which the piping is moveable and punches arranged radially around the aperture. At least some of the punches have an associated clamping mechanism that applies a force to the exterior of the piping adjacent the respective punch, to push or hold the piping against the mandrel. A driven annular housing rotates adjacent the punch housing. A plurality of rollers engage a surface on the punches during rotation of the annular housing to operate the punches upon contact and to operate the clamping mechanisms. A punch retracting mechanism retracts the punches after each operation. At least one mechanism longitudinally and rotationally moves the piping relative to the punch housing and drives the annular housing.

Abstract: A machine is described having at least one dangerous portion. The machine also includes a safety system to detect dangerous proximity between a person and the dangerous portion and perform a predetermined action to limit or prevent injury to the person from the dangerous portion. The machine may include high voltage generation means, connection means, and electronic detection means.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a lightweight hand-removable backstop structure is provided, the backstop structure having: an elongated substantially rigid structure arranged to be removably installed upon and rigidly supported in position by a backstop support of the unloading and stacking mechanism, the rigid structure having first, second and third elongated sections, with first and third sections being generally vertically arranged when the backstop structure is in use, and second section being generally horizontally arranged when the backstop structure is in use, the first section being configured to be hand-mounted upon and mechanically supported by the backstop support; the second section being disposed between and operatively rigidly interconnecting the first and third sections, the third section having at least one substantially flat large surface portion arranged to have a generally vertical orientation when the backstop structure is in use, the backstop structure, when in use, being of

Abstract: An acoustic guitar includes: a body having a soundboard, a back, and sides defining an interior volume thereof; a neck extending away from the body; a plurality of strings, each stretched from a first end at the body to a second end at a terminal end of the neck; and a plurality of resonant augmenters disposed within the interior volume of the body, each resonant augmenter being coupled at one edge in lever fashion to a mounting plate, the mounting plate being coupled to the soundboard, wherein one or more of the resonant augmenters are sized and shaped to resonate at one or more respective fundamental frequencies.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a finger position on the playing surface of an instrument are described. A sensor module located at a selected location of the playing surface emits light that is reflected or diffused by a finger or an object near the selected location. The reflected or diffused light is sensed by the sensor module, which generates a signal indicative of the amount of light detected. Based on the signal, a location of the finger or object is determined. When the finger placement corresponds to a specific note or effect, a digital signal is generated indicating the note or effect.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the movement of strings of an instrument are disclosed. According to some embodiments, one or more light emitting devices provide light to an array of photosensitive elements. One or more strings are disposed between the light emitting devices and the array such that the strings block a portion of the light form the light emitting devices over a portion of the array. A status of the one or more strings is determined based on the regions of detected and blocked light.

Abstract: The V-Pick Guitar Pick is a new kind of plectrum used for guitars, mandolins, bass guitars, and all stringed instruments requiring a pick or plectrum. It utilizes a new acrylic plastic that allows for a reliable grip, pure tone, and the ability to strum across the strings quickly and efficiently. Through creating a thicker pick, V-Picks has found a way that allows artists and beginners with arthritis to enjoy a comfortable way of playing their string instrument. The ability of an artist to achieve pure tone and quality range on their instrument is attained through the use of V-Pick Guitar Picks. Therefore, the ability for background sound obstructions to be eliminated dramatically increases. Hence artists can record the pure tone that the desire to express through music.

Abstract: This invention relates to providing a plectrum holder device that may be easily attached to a guitar at the desired location of the guitar player. More particularly, this invention relates to providing a system for retaining multiple plectrums close to the surface of a guitar, in a low profile configuration, in a convenient location for easy access by the guitar player. Also, a guitar comprising the plectrum holder may still fit in its guitar case due to the low profile of the plectrum holder. Further, the plectrum holder holds picks of a variety of shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A percussion plectrum provides a unique sound that is soft. It also aids in training a stringed instrument player in learning to pick the strings of the instrument. The plectrum is teardrop shaped and includes bristles having frayed ends which are uneven in length and spaced unevenly apart from one another. The plectrum may be held with a firmer grip without fear of losing it into the strings or producing a loud harsh tone that ordinarily is produced with a firm grip.

Abstract: An acoustic drum includes: a shell having first and second, spaced apart ends, and an interior surface defining an interior volume; a drumhead stretched over the first end of the shell; and at least one resonator coupled at one edge in lever fashion to the interior surface of the shell, the at least one resonator being sized and shaped to resonate at a frequency proximate to a peak resonant frequency of the drum.