Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sensor in which a sensor element, which comprises at least a first housing, is at least partially encapsulation-molded in an encapsulation-molding process. As a result of the encapsulation-molding process a sensor housing is formed. The sensor element is mechanically connected to a support element and/or accommodated by the support element, after which the sensor element and the support element are encapsulation-molded in a common encapsulation-molding process for forming the sensor housing.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain for a vehicle is provided with a motor/generator for providing torque to a final drive input member. The powertrain includes an engine, a transmission having a transmission input member configured to receive power from the engine and a transmission output member. The powertrain further includes a final drive arrangement that has a final drive input member, and a motor/generator that has a motor shaft operatively connected to the final drive input member downstream of the transmission gearing arrangement. A drive system may operatively connect the transmission output member and the motor shaft to the final drive input member. A method of assembling a hybrid powertrain is also provided.

Abstract: An automatic transmission (1) presents a hydrodynamic converter (3). Consequently, the automatic transmission (1) has a drive region (2) and a driven region (4). The power is split into at least two power branches in the drive region (2). A power branch runs across the hydrodynamic converter (3), another runs parallel thereto. Said at least two power branches are united in the driven region (4). According to the invention, one electrical machine (5) is additionally coupled with the driven region (4).

Abstract: A motor horse power amplification device using a moment arm design is described. The device converts reciprocal motion of the moment arm to rotational motion which drives an electrical generator. Use of the device can significantly reduce the amount of electricity generated by power plants and thus reduce the need for power plant construction. The devices have many different applications, including home, industrial, and automotive applications.

Abstract: A linear actuator has a housing, a piston slideable within the housing along a slide axis, a first shaft rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the slide axis, a second shaft rotatable about a second axis parallel to the slide axis, in which the second shaft and the piston are engaged to convert rotational motion of the second shaft into linear motion of the piston, and in which the first shaft and the second shaft are engaged by a ball-worm gear.

Abstract: A remote controlled actuator includes a spindle guide section of an elongated configuration, a distal end member fitted to a tip end of the spindle guide section for alteration in attitude, and a drive unit housing to which a base end of the spindle guide section is connected. The distal end member rotatably supports a spindle then holding a tool. The spindle guide section includes a hollow outer shell pipe, a rotary shaft and a guide pipe, and an attitude altering member for altering an attitude of the distal end member is inserted within the guide pipe. A hollow of the outer shell pipe includes a round hole portion at a center and a grooved portion depressed radially outwardly from the round hole portion. The rotary shaft is arranged within the round hole portion whereas the guide pipe is arranged within the grooved portion.

Abstract: A swiveling device for a swiveling C-arm of an X-ray unit includes a motorized drive unit and an adapter removably attachable to the C-arm concentrically with a swiveling axis thereof. The adapter connects the C-arm to the drive unit in driving manner. The swiveling device also includes an angular position encoder for recording the swivel angle of the C-arm.

Abstract: A lead screw apparatus includes a screw shaft having a spiral channel on an outer circumferential surface thereof, a plurality of rollers rotatable with contact with the spiral channel, and a cage rotatably supporting the rollers for conversion between relative rotation and linear motions between the screw shaft and the cage bi-directionally. The lead screw apparatus further includes a bearing and a holder 6 supported by the case for supporting the bearing. An inner ring of the bearing and the roller are integrally formed. An outer ring of the bearing has a protrusion on an outer circumferential surface thereof on a side closer to the screw shaft. Rollers of the bearing having a circular truncated cone shape are disposed in the bearing in a circumferential direction with substantially no gap. The outer ring has a thread part to shift the bearing and the roller.

Abstract: A machine has a shaft rotatable in at least one lubricated bearing. A lubricant duct for lubricating the bearing extends along the first shaft. A turbine, having blades engaging radially in the lubricant duct and oriented warped to the axis of the first shaft, is situated in the lubricant duct.

Abstract: One aspect of the instant disclosure is to provide a sensorless adaptive safety actuator. The safety actuator comprises a driving unit, a transmission unit coupled to the driving unit, and an output unit coupled to the transmission unit. The transmission unit comprises a load-adaptable retracting mechanism. When the output unit experiences a mechanical load exceeding a critical value, the load-adaptable retracting mechanism causes the transmission unit to decouple from the driving unit. Thus, responding to an accident where the impact on the output unit causes a force/torque overload, the instant safety actuator is capable of effectively stopping the force/torque transmission to the work output device without the use of active sensors.

Abstract: A Shift fork is provided for shifting gears of a transmission assembly of a gear box that includes, but is not limited to a basin for collecting splash oil. The basin includes, but is not limited to an outlet channel for guiding the collected oil away from the basin. By means of the basin splash oil can be collected and led via the outlet channel to nearly every place of the transmission assembly, where additional lubrication is wanted. This provides a better lubrication of parts of the transmission assembly with low effort.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly having a column jacket defining a longitudinal axis and moveable in at least one of a telescoping direction and a tilting direction is disclosed. A bracket is coupled to the column jacket with at least one pivot shaft coupled to the bracket along a pivot axis. A lever is mounted to the pivot shaft and rotates between a set position for preventing movement of the column jacket and an adjustable position for allowing movement of the column jacket. A locking device engages the lever and moves between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to rotation of the lever between the set and adjustable positions, respectively. A restrictor encircles the bracket, the column jacket, the lever and the locking device for resisting against an outwardly radial force produced by the locking device when in the locked position.

Abstract: A novelty helmet mounting device carried by a receiving element is disclosed. The novelty helmet mounting device has a novelty helmet mounting portion which mates with and engages a novelty helmet in an interference fit such that the novelty helmet mounting portion is adapted to receive and interchange multiple novelty helmets. The novelty helmet mounting portion is adapted to non-permanently retain the novelty helmet and has a protrusion that supports a portion of the novelty helmet against compression while the novelty helmet is grasped during use of the steering wheel spinner assembly. A steering wheel spinner assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a rim connected to spokes. A covering material is provided to enclose at least a portion of the rim and/or the spokes. The covering material includes an outer cover and a light element positioned under the outer cover. The light element is configured to emit light through at least a portion of the outer cover. The light element is positioned over a casing that is provided to give shape to the steering wheel so that a vehicle driver may easily grasp the steering wheel. The light element may provide continuous, pulsed, or non-continuous lighting.

Abstract: A transmission having improved heat dissipation components is disclosed. The transmission includes a housing having housing walls defining an internal chamber and a rotatable input shaft extending through one of the housing walls into the internal chamber. Power transmission components are disposed in the internal chamber and rotatably driven by the input shaft. An output shaft extends through one of the housing walls from the internal chamber and is rotatably driven by the power transmission components. A lubricating fluid is disposed in the internal chamber and lubricates the power transmission components. A cooling shroud surrounds the housing and includes a cooling passageway in fluid communication with the internal chamber. The lubricating fluid flows out of the internal chamber into the cooling passageway, through the cooling passageway, and back into the internal chamber.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes an axle housing assembly including a housing structure having an interior cavity with a sump, a lubricant disposed in the sump having a liquid lubricant level, and a differential mounted in the axle housing assembly for rotation about a first axis. The differential includes a ring gear generating an annular stream of lubricant adjoining the ring gear above the liquid lubricant level during operation of the differential at a rotational speed greater than a predetermined rotational speed. The housing structure includes an interior surface on which a deflector is coupled. The deflector extends into the interior cavity and has a first face having an impingement portion and a first edge adjacent the impingement portion. The impingement portion extends into the stream and deflects a portion of the stream towards the first edge. The first edge disperses the portion of the stream into the cavity.

Abstract: In a hybrid power system, when a change-speed stage selected in one of gear-shift mechanisms for first and second drive trains is switched over to another change-speed stage in the other gear-shift mechanism, deceleration in rotation speed of an engine detected by a rotation speed sensor is compared with a preset upper limit. When the deceleration in rotation speed of the engine exceeds the upper limit, the motor-generator in drive connection with an input shaft of the second drive train is activated as an electric motor to cause load torque canceling or offsetting input torque applied to the input shaft of the other gear-shift mechanism from the engine, and engagement of the change-speed stage in the other gear-shift mechanism is released after the occurrence of the load torque.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive assembly for a motor vehicle with a drive unit and multiple driven axles. The drive assembly comprises a transfer case 12 which distributes torque introduced by the drive unit 4 to a first driveline 5 and to a second driveline 7, wherein the first driveline 5 is permanently drivingly connected to the transfer case 12 in order to transfer torque to a first driving axle 6 and wherein optionally, in addition to the first driveline 5, the second driveline 7 can be drivingly connected to the transfer case 12 in order to transfer torque to the second driving axle 8, and a propeller shaft 24 which is arranged in the torque flow between the transfer case 12 and the second driving axle 8, wherein there are provided first coupling means 22 for coupling and uncoupling the propeller shaft 24 relative to the drive unit 4, as well as second coupling means 26 for coupling and uncoupling the propeller shaft 24 relative to the second driving axle 8.

Abstract: In a method for processing and/or reducing solid or molten materials and/or pyrophoric materials, in particular shredder light fractions, the solid or molten materials are charged onto an at least partially inductively heated graphite body, wherein reducing agents different from the carbon of the graphite are introduced, the flowing-off reduced and/or degassed melt is collected, wherein the reducing agents are introduced together with the solid or molten charging materials, and, as said reducing agents, natural gas, hydrocarbons, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and/or ammonia are introduced along with water vapor, oxygen, carbon dioxide and/or halogens or hydrogen halides. (FIG.

Abstract: Nano-scale particles of materials can be produced by vaporizing material and allowing the material to flow in a non-violently turbulent manner into thermal communication with a cooling fluid, thereby forming small particles of the material that can be in the nano-scale size range. A raw material feeder can be configured to feed raw material toward a heater which vaporizes the raw material. The feeder can include a metering device for controlling the flow of raw material toward the heater. A gas source can also be used to cause gas to flow through a portion of the raw material feeder along with the raw material.

Abstract: An inlet snorkel for a degassing vessel operating by the RH process. The inlet snorkel is for a degassing vessel for metallurgical melting using the RH process. Gas injection pipes through which inert gas can be introduced into the inlet snorkel are distributed along the axial length of the inlet snorkel, and groove-like guide shapes are provided upstream of these gas injection pipes so as to project into the clear cross section of the inlet snorkel.

Abstract: A process for producing agglomerates from fine-grained iron carriers and at least one binder as a charge material for a metallurgical process is shown. In at least one further agglomeration step, the agglomerates are coated with a layer, comprising iron carriers and at least one binder, and heated in such a way that the binder is cured in the region of the surface of the agglomerates. In a process for producing liquid pig iron or liquid primary steel products from charge materials and possibly additions and agglomerates, the agglomerates are preheated in a reducing zone, which has a preheating stage, in such a way that the agglomerates completely harden in the preheating stage.

Abstract: An automotive repair tool for removal of an engine fluid cap includes a scalloped interior opening through a circular base having a circumferential edge surface transverse to the axis of the rotation of the cap. The base receives a U-shape metal bracket welded thereto and aligned axially with the rotational axis of the base member. The opening through the base member is compatible with and generally congruent with a fluid cap for an internal combustion automobile engine.

Abstract: A hand tool is revealed. Inner plates are clipped between two outer plates. An insertion hole of the inner plate is corresponding to a fixing hole of the outer plate. A ratchet connecting plug is mounted in clamping holes of each outer plate. By a fixing member penetrating each fixing hole, the assembling of the outer plates, inner plates and the ratchet connecting plug is completed. The convenient assembly is attained. Moreover, the inner and outer plates form a handle with required thickness. The handle is convenient to hold and work for fastening screw fasteners. Furthermore, an ejector disposed on the ratchet connecting plug is used to push the screw fastener off the ratchet connecting plug quickly for improving the working efficiency. Each of two ends of the outer plate can be assembled with one ratchet connecting plug so that users can choose one according to practical needs.

Abstract: A wrench includes a driving head, an axle hole formed at an end of the driving head, an accommodating portion disposed in the axle hole for accommodating pawls, a control ring contained in the axle hole and having an end extended out of the axle hole and coupled to a wrench handle, and a ratchet section and a smooth section defined on an external periphery of the control ring, and the ratchet section is provided for latching the pawls to define a fixed state of latching the wrench handle with the driving head and can be rotated into a secured status, and the smooth section is provided for pushing the pawls to release the fixed state of latching the control ring, so as to allow the wrench handle to be turned with respect to the driving head for a quick rotation.

Abstract: A hand tool adapter of the present invention includes a wheel shaped main body and at least four sockets. The main body has a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral surface. The sockets are firmly disposed in the main body, locating annularly on the peripheral surface. Each socket has a non-circular bore. The main body is formed with no hole which has a dimension larger than the dimension of the largest bore. As such, the structure of the adapter is strengthened.

Abstract: An universal joint capable of replacing various tool sets contains a tool set having a driving portion disposed on one end thereof and a spherical knob fixed on another end thereof, and the spherical knob includes two retaining segments disposed on two sides thereof respectively; a holder having a fitting portion disposed on one end thereof and a chamber fixed on another end thereof to receive the spherical knob, and between the holder and the tool set being defined a locking structure, wherein the locking structure includes a hole fixed on the retaining segment of the tool set to communicate with the chamber. The hole includes a lock boss placed therein, and the holder also includes a sleeve member fitted thereon. The sleeve member includes an abutting face for pushing the lock boss to extend out of the chamber of the holder to engage with the retaining segments.

Abstract: A wrench assembled structure comprises a wrench head including an inserting portion, and the inserting portion including a neck portion connected with a crank, the crank including a head end mounted on a top end thereof, a gap of the head end including a hexagonal recess disposed on a rear end thereof, and the recess including a U-shaped retaining side arranged on an upper section thereof; a handle including a shank inserted to a shaft member, having a groove formed on a top end of the shank, and having an inner wall which includes a resilient piece fixed therein, and including a ball and a locking peg retained therein, the shaft member including an engaging section and a chamfer section formed therein.

Abstract: A hand tool for adjusting torsion includes a cap. A spindle assembly is fixed to the cap. A tubular adjusting seat is sleeved on the spindle assembly. The adjusting seat has a sliding groove axially spirally defined in an outer periphery thereof. At least one ball is slidably received in the sliding groove and being movable along the sliding groove. A first handle is sleeved on the adjusting seat. The first handle has a torsion spring received therein, a first teethed seat connected to the torsion spring, and a second teethed seat engaged with the first teethed seat. A sliding sleeve is sleeved on the first handle. The sliding sleeve has at least one reset slot annularly defined in an inner periphery thereof for corresponding to the at least one fixing hole. A second handle is abutted against the second teethed seat. A driving rod assembly is fixed to the second handle.

Abstract: In order to improve a lathe comprising a machine frame, a workpiece spindle unit arranged on the machine frame and having a workpiece spindle housing and a workpiece spindle rotatingly drivable about a workpiece spindle axis in the workpiece spindle housing, a supporting unit which is arranged on the machine frame and in which a workpiece receptacle rotatable about the workpiece spindle axis can be supported on the machine frame radially to the workpiece spindle axis, in such a manner that rotary machining operations other than longitudinal turning are possible in a simple manner it is suggested that the supporting unit have a bearing member receptacle, in which a guide bushing for longitudinal turning can be supported in the area of its workpiece receptacle in a longitudinal turning version of the lathe and the workpiece spindle unit can be supported in the area of its workpiece receptacle radially to the workpiece spindle axis in a short turning version of the lathe.

Abstract: A pattern creating implement may include a pattern creating tip on a first end, a connection member on a second end, and an engagement member between the first and second ends. The engagement member may be configured to be engaged by an implement placement member for detachably coupling the connection member to an implement receptor of a pattern creating device. According to various embodiments, a pattern creating device controls the rotational, vertical and planar movements of the pattern creating tip to transfer a digital pattern to a media. A tool may be configured to receive, resupply, and/or insert a pattern creating implement. According to one embodiment, in conjunction with an optional cap, a body of a tool may be configured to house a pattern creating implement when it is not in use.

Abstract: A band saw blade has a plurality of teeth defining a pitch pattern and first and second set patterns within each pitch pattern. The first set pattern includes a plurality of offset teeth that are each offset at approximately the same set magnitude as every other set tooth within the first set pattern. The second set pattern includes a plurality of first offset teeth that are each offset at approximately a first set magnitude, and a plurality of second set teeth that are each offset at approximately a second set magnitude that is greater than the first set magnitude.

Abstract: The invention relates to light industry and can be used for processing previously used textile articles, in particular second-hand articles. Textile waste is selected and materials suitable for secondary use are chosen therefrom. As materials suitable for secondary use there are selected textile articles of one type, the selection being carried out in an amount suitable for industrial processing. The aforementioned textile articles contain at least one standard composite element suitable for forming an overlay and in accordance with which a pattern cutting card is created. An overlay of the standard composite element is formed in accordance with the card, at least one pattern of the article being manufactured is selected for the overlay according to the pattern cutting card, the pattern is positioned on the upper layer of the overlay and the overlay is then cut out so as to obtain the parts of the article being manufactured.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for slicing food products, in particular to high-performance slicers, having a product feed, at least one cutting blade which rotates about a blade axis and/or orbits a center axis in a planetary manner and to which at least one product to be sliced can be fed in a product feed direction and having an adjustment device for the cutting blade with which the cutting blade is movable between a cutting position and an additional function position, wherein the cutting blade is coupled to the adjustment device at a first region and to a guide at a second region, and wherein the adjustment movement of the cutting blade is fixed by an exciter movement of the adjustment device and by the guide.

Abstract: Blade guards for power tools such as table saws are disclosed. The blade guard may include a shroud that pivots up and down to allow a workpiece to move past the guard, a dust collection channel, and a pivot joint which maintains the dust collection channel in an operable condition as the shroud pivots up or down. The guard may also include a wood stop and anti-kickback pawls. The blade guard may be part of a dust collection system and may be connected to a vacuum system by a conduit such as a flexible hose.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bench cutting machine including: a motor that drives a cutting blade; a fan that is driven by the motor to generate a fan air; a base portion; a cutting portion that accommodates the cutting blade over the base portion; and a supporting portion that movably supports the cutting portion, wherein rotational directions of the fan and the cutting blade are arranged to be the same.

Abstract: A miter saw comprises a worktable; a first support member attached to the worktable; a second support member attached to the first support member; a saw unit pivotally connected to the second support member via a pivot; and a matching mechanism disposed between the first support member and the second support member, the matching mechanism is operated to cause the second support member to move with respect to the first support member, and the second support member is moved to reach a plurality of predetermined working positions to perform cutting operation. Thus, the cutting capacity of the miter saw is improved for the miter saw being able to cut workpieces with more specifications.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a protection structure for cutting an electrode strip, which comprises an electrode strip having at least one cutting channel; and two adhesive tapes respectively stuck to the upper and lower surfaces of the cutting channel, and which can effectively prevent from the formation of burrs and the shattering of solidified compounds in cutting the electrode strips, whereby are promoted the quality, stability and reliability of products. Further, the protection structure for cutting an electrode strip of the present invention also functions as an indicator to identify the cutting site.

Abstract: A cutting structure for plastic film includes a bracket, a first roller, a second roller, a tachometer, a processor, a monitor and a cutter. The bracket includes a bottom and two sidewalls extending from the bottom along a same direction. The first roller includes a shaft fixed to the sidewalls and a sleeve rotatably sleeving on the shaft. The second roller is pivotally connected to the sidewalls. The tachometer is disposed on one end of the second roller and configured for measuring the rotation speed of the second roller. The processor is configured for reading the rotation speed and further calculating a rotation distance of the second roller. The monitor is configured for displaying the rotation distance. The cutter extends upward from the bottom for cutting the plastic film pulled from the first roller and the second roller.

Abstract: An automatic display device use for scale of saw blade comprising a base including a seat having a vertical moving member mounted on a lower side thereof to receive a saw blade, two brackets disposed on two sides thereof respectively, and a coupling piece fixed on one end thereof, the coupling piece including a retaining projection secured on an outer side thereof; a levering device installed to the bracket by using a positioning member and including a support shaft to connect with a lateral shank including an elongated slot arranged on a front end and a third auxiliary wheel disposed on a rear end; a turning pedestal disposed on an inner side of the base and including a second auxiliary wheel; a scale wheel including a returning spring fixed therein; a steel rope including two ends to connect with the scale wheel and the vertical moving member.

Abstract: A manual cutting apparatus for cutting thick media includes a sliding blade housed within a carriage. The sliding blade is adjustable in cutting depth to enable scoring and cutting all the way through. The carriage rides on a pair of rails. To operate, the user presses down on an actuator to lower the cutting blade and then slides the cutting mechanism from a starting end to a finishing end, namely, toward the user's body. A securing mechanism fixes the media in place and thereby frees the user's other hand from having to hold the media. The user's other hand may grab onto a leverage handle adjacent to the starting end of the base for extra leverage in sliding the cutting mechanism with the first hand.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered cutting tool includes a blade holder for securing a piece of cutting material during the shearing process. The assembly includes a tool head having a receiving area for the blade holder. A powered actuator is attached to the tool head adjacent the receiving area for actuating a moving blade. The moving blade includes a first end attached to the powered actuator and a second end with a cutting surface facing a fixed blade. The blade holder is attached to the tool head and includes an arcuate bottom surface adjacent the receiving area at a first end and a sleeve at a second end. The fixed cutting blade is received in the sleeve and includes a cutting surface disposed facing the moving blade.

Abstract: A blade mounting assembly for mounting a rotary blade to an arbor comprises an outer washer including a hub configured to extend through a bore of the blade, the hub defining a central bore sized to receive a spindle of the arbor. The hub further includes a locating surface arranged to contact the shoulder when the spindle extends through the central bore. The washer includes an engagement surface contacting the left side face of the blade when the hub extends through the bore of the blade. The engagement surface is disposed a fixed axial distance from the locating surface relative to the length of the hub. A fastener engages the outer washer to the arbor with the locating surface in contact with the shoulder. The assembly further includes a biasing element configured to be disposed over the hub between the shoulder and the right side face of the blade.

Abstract: A circular cutting blade is configured for cutting meat when turned about a rotation axis in a predetermined cutting direction. The cutting blade has a peripheral blade edge defined between the first and second sides and a plurality of circumferentially disposed cutting knives. Each cutting knife includes first and second knife sides and an arcuate knife edge that constitutes a portion of the peripheral blade edge. Each knife edge rises, relative to the rotation axis, between a first blade-edge location corresponding to a minor blade radius and a second blade-edge location corresponding to a major blade radius and further includes beveled primary and secondary knife-edge portions along which the first and second knife sides mutually converge at, respectively, a first bevel angle and a second bevel angle less acute than the first bevel angle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic flange surface machining apparatus for machining a flange surface.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a scribing apparatus with which fine adjustment with a low load is possible, thin films on the solar cell substrate can be shaved off with precision, thin films can be prevented from peeling irregularly, and straight and precise scribe lines can be created.

Abstract: A keyboard device for an electronic keyboard instrument, capable of ensuring stable contact between movable contacts and fixed contacts of a switch body, to accurately detect key depression information. A hammer has a pressure-applying surface formed in a predetermined configuration. A key switch detects key depression information and comprises a substrate with fixed contacts, a hollow switch body with a pressure-receiving surface, and movable contacts provided inside the body. Pressing of the pressure-receiving surface by the pressure-applying surface sequentially brings the movable contacts into contact with the fixed contacts, causing switch body compressive deformation. The pressure-receiving surface and pressure-applying surface are complementary in shape, and an orientation of the former conforms to an orientation of the latter when hammer pivotal motion is terminated after the movable contacts are brought into contact with the fixed contacts.

Abstract: The hanging musical attachment device is an attachment to an inflatable balloon that adds ornamental features allowing the balloon to hang as an ornament creating additional appeal to generic balloon and adding the accompaniment of a musical playing device. This attachment can be used with balloons without the need for helium, because the attachment is the means of support for the balloon. The interchangeable balloons allow for the musical device to be replaced without the need to replace the entire device.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is provided that includes a brace disposed within the hollow chamber of the musical instrument such that the first end of the brace is in contact with the inner side of the soundboard of the musical instrument at a point longitudinally at or above the bridge saddle toward the top end of the instrument. At the second end, the brace is in contact with an inner side of the body at a point longitudinally below the bridge saddle toward the bottom end of the musical instrument. The strings pass over the bridge saddle, through at least one hole in the bridge, and at least one of the strings attaches to the brace directly or indirectly at a point on the brace. The brace receives tension from the at least one string attached to the brace and transfers the tension from the strings to at least the contact point of the first end of the brace.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a pick for an instrument having a string. The pick includes a body formed of a first material and having an outer periphery. The pick further includes a tip extending from the outer periphery of the body for engaging the string of the instrument. The tip is formed of a second material different from the first material of the body.