Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having an input shaft or member, an output shaft or member, a plurality of meshing gears, a plurality of synchronizers and a reverse idler gear assembly. The reverse idler gear assembly includes an idler gear member, a synchronizer member and a retainer member. The synchronizer member has a pair of tabs that engage grooves on an idler shaft and interface with a synchronizer spring to apply a force from the synchronizer member on the retainer member and create a braking friction to slow down the idler gear assembly and the input shaft prior to meshing with the gear of the output shaft.

Abstract: A fine motion control rod drive mechanism handling apparatus attaches a fine motion control rod drive mechanism having a control rod drive mechanism body, a spool piece, a motor bracket and a motor unit to a reactor pressure vessel, and detaches it from the reactor pressure vessel. The fine motion control rod drive mechanism handling apparatus is provided with a bolt wrench assembly, a motor unit attachment mounted to the bolt wrench assembly, for meshing a first gear of a first gear coupling on a spool piece side with a second gear of a second gear coupling on a motor unit side, and a rotation mechanism mounted to the bolt wrench assembly, for rotating the motor unit attachment.

Abstract: A gear box has a housing and a direct current motor inside of the housing. A rotatable output shaft extends through a wall of the housing and is rotatably driven by the motor via a gear train. The gear box can be used to dispense ice from a refrigerator/freezer. The motor drives the output shaft in one direction to dispense ice cubes. The motor also drives the output shaft in an opposite direction to crush ice and dispense the crushed ice. The gear box has a low-profile height. The gear train is located in front of a motor shaft of the motor and has a maximum height which does not exceed a maximum height of the motor. The motor shaft is perpendicular to the input gear of the gear train and to the output shaft of the gear box.

Abstract: A linear motion assembly includes a screw having a helical external groove extending over a plurality of turns with a radially outwardly extending helical land formed between adjacent turns and a ball nut having a through bore configured for receipt of the screw. The ball nut has a helical internal groove extending over a plurality of turns with a radially inwardly extending helical land formed between adjacent turns. The helical land of the ball nut is radially aligned with the external groove of the screw and the helical land of the screw is radially aligned with the internal groove of the ball nut. At least one helical recirculation insert having a circuitous recirculation groove is configured in radial alignment with the radially inwardly extending helical land of the ball nut and the external groove of the screw, wherein a plurality of balls are received in the circuitous recirculation groove.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission apparatus configured such that when transitioning to an actual traveling state by forming one of the shift speeds from a free running state in which a vehicle is in a traveling state and the speed change mechanism is in a neutral state with none of the shift speeds formed, the control device performs a control to determine from the plurality of shift speeds one final target shift speed according to at least a vehicle speed and a driver request, and an intermediate target shift speed with a speed ratio smaller than that of the final target shift speed, and to form the final target shift speed after formation of the intermediate target shift speed.

Abstract: A control device includes an input member drivingly coupled to at least one of an internal combustion engine and a rotating electrical machine as driving force sources of a vehicle. When downshifting or upshifting the control device controls the engagement pressure of a direct coupling clutch to a pressure lower than the direct coupling limit engagement pressure during downshifting, when downshifting in a state in which required input torque, which is torque that is required to be transferred to the input member, is set to a positive torque, and the control device controls the engagement pressure of the direct coupling clutch to a pressure equal to or higher than the direct coupling limit engagement pressure during downshifting or upshifting, when performing downshifting in a state in which the required input torque is set to a negative torque, or when performing upshifting regardless of the required input torque.

Abstract: A shift lever device includes: a body case configured to pivotally support a shift lever swingably; a circuit board including a electric component disposed on a board of the circuit board; a board cover including a housing part housing the circuit board in the board cover and configured to be mounted to the body case with the circuit board being housed in the housing part; a board supporting part provided to the board cover and configured to support the circuit board in the housing part; and an electric component supporting part provided to any one of the body case and the board cover and configured to support the electric component disposed on the circuit board. The circuit board is configured to be supported to the body case via the board cover.

Abstract: An automatic transmission hydraulic control system with a first friction engagement element engaged at a first forward gear and establishment of a reverse gear, and a second friction engagement element engaged at least at a second different forward gear including a range pressure output unit outputting a reverse range pressure when a reverse range is selected, a first switching valve having a reverse range pressure input port receiving reverse range pressure, a control pressure input port receiving a control pressure from a linear solenoid valve, and first, second and third output ports.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a transmission device configured such that when the speed change mechanism performs switching to a shift speed with a different speed ratio, special speed change control is executed in which a disengagement hydraulic pressure, is lowered to cause a disengagement element to slip, and in which the disengagement element is maintained in a slipping state over an entire speed change process. In the case where slipping of the disengagement element is not detected within a predetermined time after the disengagement hydraulic pressure is lowered at start of the special speed change control, pressure increase correction is performed in which an engagement hydraulic pressure, which is a hydraulic pressure of hydraulic oil for an engagement element that is a friction engagement element to be engaged, is raised until slipping of the disengagement element is detected.

Abstract: In a transmission system for vehicles in which shift position changing drive means is coaxially connected to a shift drum selectively establishing a plurality of gear trains for respective gear steps capable of selective establishment in response to a turned position and a shift position sensor detects which one of the gear trains is being established, the number of component parts is reduced and assembly performance is enhanced while allowing for automatic gear shifting by use of a shift actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manipulator (1) comprising a plurality of members (12, 14) connected to each other by joints (A1-A6) that can be adjusted by drives (M1-M6), and a counterweight device (15) associated with one of the joints (A1-A6) and comprising a rod (19) coupled to a first member (12) connected to the joint (A1-A6) on one side and connected to a spring device (26) supported on a seat (25) on the other side, said seat being coupled to a second member (14) connected to the joint (A1-A6) by means of at least one bearing arrangement (18), comprising a first bearing component (17) and a second bearing component (16) connected to the second member (14). The seat (25) is connected to the first bearing component (17) by means of at least one cantilevered arm (23, 24).

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly having a steering column extending between a pivot end and a steering wheel supporting end. The steering wheel supporting end is operable to engage a steering wheel. The steering column is moveable along a collapse path in response to an impacting force acting on the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column includes a cam-follower surface in fixed relation to the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column assembly also includes a cam surface spaced from the steering column and slidably engaging the cam-follower surface. The cam surface and the cam-follower surface cooperate during movement of the steering column along the collapse path to guide the steering column in rotation upwardly about the pivot end.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a mounting part that can be attached to the chassis of the motor vehicle, and an adjusting part that can be adjusted relative to the mounting part. The adjusting part rotatably supports a segment of the steering spindle, and the segment is adjacent to a steering wheel side end of the steering spindle that can be adjusted relative to the mounting part between a first end position and a second end position, along an adjusting path, when adjusting the adjusting part. The steering-wheel side end is adjusted through at least part of the adjusting path in a coupled manner in one direction of a length adjustment of the steering column, and in one direction of a height or tilt adjustment of the steering column. A front guide pin is mounted at the adjusting part or on the mounting part, and the pin engages in at least one elongated hole provided in the other of the two parts.

Abstract: A length-adjustable steering actuation unit for a motor vehicle includes a) a support having means for attaching the support to the motor vehicle, b) a steering column rotatable about a longitudinal axis and comprising an upper steering tube and a lower steering tube, and c) an adjusting device for adjusting the distance of the upper steering tube relative to the lower steering tube and the support. An element is provided between the two steering tubes. The element is deformable in the case of an accident. The element shortens in the event of an accident. The total length of the upper steering tube and the lower steering tube is shorter after an accident than prior to the accident.

Abstract: A guiding-wire controlling rod device for chair adjustment is mainly pivotally attached inside a housing by a rotation plate of a pivoting rod. The rotation plate has two sides each with a guiding-wire retaining notch and has multiple abutting flat surfaces formed at a front end of the rotation plate to abut with a resilient sheet to position the rotation plate at different angles. Moreover, a rear end of a controlling rod of the pivoting rod has a pivotal hole substantially perpendicularly adjacent to the rotation plate to pivotally engage with another controlling rod to drive other guiding-wires. Thereby, the controlling rods are aligned and control respectively multiple guiding-wires for different functions.

Abstract: A pedal arrangement is provided for a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a pedal module, on which at least one pedal is movably fastened. The pedal has a mount in which a push rod is movably mounted for the transmission of actuating forces which are exerted onto the pedal. The pedal module has a guide, in which the push rod is guided in a defined position such that an end region of the push rod is able to be positioned in the mount.

Abstract: A locking arrangement for locking a brake part held under tension is provided. The locking arrangement includes a gearing having a plurality of adjoining gears, a catch which can be pivoted about a catch coupling and which has at least one engaging nose that is biased in the direction toward the gearing on one engagement end. Either the catch coupling or the gearing can be pivoted about a main axis relative to each other, and a parking brake equipped with the locking arrangement. A locking arrangement, or a parking brake enabling an improved locking is created in that an auxiliary nose is associated with the catch at a distance from the engaging nose, and that the auxiliary nose is disposed such that it may be brought into contact with the gearing in front of the engaging nose.

Abstract: A walk-behind work machine having a foldable operating handle is disclosed. The operating handle is swingable and foldable about a first linking pin relative to a handle-attachment part of a work-machine body from a usage position to a storage position and can be locked in a usage position by a second linking pin. The second linking pin is present on one of the operating handle and the handle-attachment part, and the distal end part of the second linking pin is formed in a tapered shape. The other of the operating handle and the handle-attachment part has a second pin-fitting hole allowing insertion and retraction of the distal end part. When the distal end part is fit into the second pin-fitting hole, no gap is present in the second pin-fitting hole due to the tapered surface of the distal end part, and the operating handle is locked in the usage position.

Abstract: A shock and vibration damping handlebar mounting assembly, for vehicles that utilizes handlebar assisted steering, where the handlebar and its clamping components are suspended by shock and vibration damping springs and materials. The suspended components are allowed to travel along a guide, in a predetermined beneficial path, while maintaining the rider preferred handlebar angles, as the vehicle encounters shock due to rough terrain. Springs dampen the motion of the suspended components reducing the effects of the rough terrain to the rider's hands. The suspended components are isolated from the vehicle's steering mechanism by isolation components made of deadening materials thus reducing the transfer of vibration from the vehicle to the rider's hands.

Abstract: A drive device for a machine, which has a drive shaft that can be rotated about an axis, and two driving cranks which are connected to the shaft in an angularly rigid manner in relation to the axis thereof. In order to determine the torque applied to the drive shaft in a simple and economical manner, the drive device has at least one magnetostrictive body connected to the driving cranks in a fixed manner, and a magnetic field sensor for measuring the magnetic stray field of the magnetostrictive body.

Abstract: A pedal retaining apparatus includes a driving unit adapted to engage with a pedal. The driving unit has a first magnetic unit disposed thereon and a positioning unit corresponding to the driving unit, the positioning unit has a second magnetic unit disposed thereon. The second magnetic unit corresponded to the first magnetic unit. The pedal is magnetically retained in a predetermined position due to a magnetic force between the first magnetic unit and the second magnetic unit; when the pedal rotates relative to the spindle, the magnetic force between the first magnetic unit and the second magnetic unit drives the driving unit to rotatably regain the predetermined position for the pedal to synchronously rotate with the driving unit to regain the predetermined position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detachable mechanism of bicycle pedal and locking shoe, wherein a magnetic absorber is set on the bicycle pedal in collaboration with an adsorbed unit on the bottom of the locking shoe, enabling easy coupling or disengagement; meanwhile, the bottom of the locking shoe is provided with a -shaped groove mating with the frame of the bicycle pedal, so that the locking shoe can be coupled with the bicycle pedal more stably and robustly; moreover, an oblique surface is formed on the same lateral wall of two channels of the groove, such that the locking shoe can be more easily mated with the bicycle pedal in an oblique angle; furthermore, marks are printed on the inner edge of the locking shoe corresponding to two channels of -shaped groove, enabling rapid coupling by the beginners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid drive device including a first shaft coupled to an internal combustion engine, a rotary electric machine, a second shaft disposed coaxially with the first shaft and coupled to the rotary electric machine and a speed change mechanism, a clutch is provided to switch on and off transfer of a drive force between the first shaft and the second shaft, and a case houses the first shaft, the second shaft, the rotary electric machine, and the clutch. A rotor of the rotary electric machine is fixed to an outer peripheral portion of the clutch housing. A first seal mechanism is disposed in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion of the second axially projecting portion and the inner peripheral surface of the first axially projecting portion, and side by side with the first support mechanism in the axial direction.

Abstract: Provided is a transmission for a hybrid vehicle which permits a compact, lightweight structure and yet allows the power of an internal combustion engine to be disconnected and which is capable of efficiently transmitting power without complicating the control. The transmission includes a speed changing unit which has a first input shaft 3 connected to a power shaft 6 of an internal combustion engine 1 and a second input shaft 4 connected to a power shaft of a motor 2 and which establishes a plurality of gear shift stages. A one-way clutch 7 is interposed between the power shaft 6 of the internal combustion engine 1 and the first input shaft 3. The one-way clutch 7 disengages the connection between the power shaft 6 of the internal combustion engine 1 and the first input shaft 3 when the rotational speed of the power shaft 6 of the internal combustion engine 1 is lower than the rotational speed of the first input shaft. 3.

Abstract: Provided is a lightweight, compact power transmission device for a hybrid vehicle which permits a simplified construction of a speed changing unit that establishes a plurality of gear shift stages and a reduced size of a motor. The power transmission device is provided with a first speed changing unit which has a first input shaft 3 connected to a power shaft 6 of an internal combustion engine 1 and which establishes a plurality of gear shift stages, and a second speed changing unit which has a second input shaft 4 connected to a power shaft of a motor 2 and which establishes a plurality of gear shift stages which is different from that of the first speed changing unit. The power transmission device is provided with a connecting unit 13 which disconnectably connects the first input shaft 3 and the second input shaft 4.

Abstract: Provided is a start control device capable of reducing power consumption during the driving operation of a starter motor, to thereby improve fuel efficiency of a vehicle. In the start control device, a motor drive torque estimating part (123) estimates a motor drive torque based on a battery voltage drop amount of a battery (107) that supplies an electric power to a motor (105). A start control part (122) turns off energization of a pinion pushing device (104) by a pinion driving part (120) when the motor drive torque estimated by the motor drive torque estimating part (123) is equal to or larger than a given value.

Abstract: A method for producing a ferro-alloy, such as steel, in an electric arc furnace or other suitable metallurgical furnace is disclosed. The method comprises supplying a mixture of (a) a carbon-containing polymer that is capable of acting as a slag foaming agent and (b) another source of carbon into the furnace during at least a part of a power-on phase of the method. A metallurgical furnace is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to electrically conductive compacted metal parts fabricated using powder metallurgy methods. The iron-based powders of the invention are coated with magnetic or pre-magnetic materials.

Abstract: A target consisting essentially of a CoCrPt-based metal or a CoCrPtRu-based metal, and one or more metal oxides selected from the group consisting of SiO2, Cr2O3, CoO, TiO2 and Ta2O5, is heated in an upper crucible of a two-level crucible that includes the upper crucible with a through hole formed in a bottom surface, and a lower crucible disposed below the through hole. The target is heated at a temperature of from 1400 to 1790° C. if the target does not contain both TiO2 and Ta2O5. The target is heated at a temperature of from 1400 to 1630° C. if the target contains TiO2 but does not contain Ta2O5. The target is heated at a temperature of from 1400 to 1460° C. if the target contains Ta2O5. The metal thereby melted is caused to flow into the lower crucible, so that the metal is separated from the metal oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal component collection agent for collecting one or more metal components from a metal component-containing material; the agent containing, as an active ingredient, a compound containing one or more group 2 elements of the periodic table, or a compound containing one or more lanthanoid elements. The present invention further provides a method for collecting one or more metal components from a metal component-containing material; the method comprising heating the metal component-containing material and the metal component collection agent in such a manner that a metal vapor or metal oxide vapor produced by heating the metal component-containing material is brought into contact with the metal component collection agent. According to the present invention, metal components can be easily and efficiently collected from materials containing highly useful metal components such as noble or rare metal.

Abstract: A wrench tool having a wrench head which is removable from a hollow handle. A lubricant dispensing device is secured within the handle and a tube delivers lubricant to the wrench head.

Abstract: A multiple socket ratcheting wrench is described comprising an elongate handle with a first end and a second end. A first mounting element connected to the first end and a second mounting element connected to the second end. A first holder element rotatably attached by a first pin to the first mounting element is provided, wherein the first holder is capable of rotating at least 180 degrees about the first pin, the first holder element defining a first opening and a second opening. The first opening receives a first socket and a second socket, and the second opening receives a third socket and a fourth socket. A first ratcheting means is attached to the first holder element and is configured to control torque direction of the first socket and the second socket, and a second ratcheting means is attached to the first holder element and is configured to control torque direction of the third socket and the fourth socket.

Abstract: A ratcheting wrench having ratchet structure, a ratchet body, a socket wheel, and a ratchet clutch. The ratchet body is received into the ratchet structure and is rotatable about a first axis. The socket wheel is received in an aperture in the ratchet body and includes a plurality of tool members that are spaced circumferentially apart from one another about a second axis that intersects the first axis but is not coincident with the first axis. The ratchet clutch is configured to control relative rotation between the ratchet structure and the ratchet body about the first axis.

Abstract: A ratcheting wrench having ratchet structure, a ratchet body, a socket wheel, a plurality of ratchet teeth and at least one pawl. The ratchet body is received into the ratchet structure and is rotatable about a first axis. The socket wheel is received in an aperture in the ratchet body and includes a plurality of tool members that are spaced circumferentially apart from one another about a second axis that intersects the first axis but is not coincident with the first axis. The ratchet teeth and the at least one pawl cooperate to control relative rotation between the ratchet structure and the ratchet body about the first axis.

Abstract: A wrench including an inward opening that has a multi-point configuration for partially-surrounding engagement in a torque-transmitting manner on a polygonal profile of a nut or a bolt head, a radial jaw opening being associated with the inward opening and at least two corners of the multi-point configuration each having a stop for a portion of an end face of the polygonal profile. In order to extend the range of use of the wrench, the jaw opening has oppositely-disposed jaw cheeks as the opening of an open-end wrench for torque-transmitting engagement on the polygonal profile, the jaw cheeks extending over the corners of the multi-point configuration on only one wide face (of the wrench).

Abstract: A wrench head having a jaw with jaw members having interior side faces and throat support surfaces defining an interior for mateably receiving a nut or bolt head. Extending from the top side of each jaw member and the top side of a handle connection portion and overhanging the interior defined by the interior side faces of the jaw members and throat support surfaces is a wrench head overhang, that, when placed over a nut or bolt head, is in contact with the top side of the bolt head or top side of the nut. The wrench head overhang serves to retain the wrench head over the nut or bolt head so that the wrench head cannot slip down off of the nut or bolt head. The overhang is dimensioned so as to that when the wrench of the present invention is used to rotate a nut that has been threaded on a bolt shaft, the bolt shaft will clear the sides of the overhang.

Abstract: This is an invention that permits the construction of tools that are especially efficient, convenient, and economical. The tools in this invention are adjustable wrenches, a ring wrench, an open end wrench and a pipe wrench, intended for loosening and tightening bolts having heads of various sizes, while they accurately grip the head of the bolt. Ther wrench is adjusted to the bolt immediately in a continuous movmement. We refer to closed and open endede wrenched for suitable bolts, in metric of inch sizes, or a combination of these, as well as a pipe wrench. The current invention offers a wrench that requires only one hand to be used for loosening and tighetning any bolt, smoothly and preciesely, and without damanging the bolt itself. Adjustment to the size of the head of the bolt is done in a smooth and continuous movement, at the end of which the wrench is locked precisely on the size of the bolt.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a hinge and a detent cover. The hinge pivotally connects a first acting member to a second acting member. The detent cover can cover the hinge to stop the rotational motion between the first acting member and the second acting member.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a hole with a rounded edge includes a punch having a rounded shape formed at a base portion of a cutting tip, and a die supporting a peripheral edge of a pierced hole formed through piercing by the cutting tip of the punch with a pressure receiving surface perpendicular to a punch axis. By driving the punch to make a single stroke motion, a hole is pierced in a work piece by the cutting tip of the punch to form the pierced hole and the rounded shape of the cutting tip is transferred onto a ridge portion on the side of a design surface of the pierced hole. This permits efficient processing of holes with a rounded edge. In addition, by supporting the peripheral edge of the pierced hole with the pressure receiving surface, a uniform and highly accurate rounded shape can be formed on the ridge portion of the pierced hole.

Abstract: Steel for machine structure use excellent in tool lifetime in a broad range of cutting speeds regardless of continuous machining, intermittent machining, or other systems and further in various machining environments such as use of a cutting fluid or a dry, semidry, and oxygen enriched environment, having a chemical composition containing, by mass %, C: 0.01 to 1.2%, Si: 0.005 to 3.0%, Mn: 0.05 to 3.0%, P: 0.0001 to 0.2%, S: 0.0001 to 0.35%, N: 0.0005 to 0.035%, and Al: 0.05 to 1.0%, satisfying [Al %]?(27/14)×[N %]?0.05%, and having a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities and forming an Al2O3 coating on the surface of a cutting tool by machining using a cutting tool coated on the surface contacting the machined material by metal oxides with a value of a standard free energy of formation at 1300° C. of that value of Al2O3 or more, and a machining method of the same.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for slicing a substrate using a wire saw wherein the composition comprises a liquid carrier and an abrasive. The invention further provides methods of slicing a substrate using a wire saw and a composition.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including cutting tools and motors adapted to drive the cutting tools are disclosed. The machines also include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, and a reaction system adapted to perform a specified action upon detection of the dangerous condition. The machines further include a control system adapted to test the operability of at least a portion of the detection system and/or the reaction system. The control system is adapted to disable the motor if the tested portion is inoperable.

Abstract: An Insulated Glass (IG) line comprises a washer for washing lites; a spacer applicator for selectively attaching spacers to lites downstream of the washer; an assembler for coupling multiple lites with intervening spacer downstream of the spacer applicator; an unloading station for removing finished IGUs from the IG line downstream of the assembler; and a buffer storage unit upsteam of the washer and having i) at least one storage rack defining a plurality of lite storage locations, ii) a storage rack feeding unit configured to place lites into any storage location of each storage rack, and iii) a storage rack unloading unit configured to take lites from any storage location of each storage rack. The Insulated Glass (IG) line further includes a dynamic batch-less direct feed cutter upstream of the buffer storage unit.

Abstract: A sheet is cut between a first conveying unit and a second conveying unit in a state in which the first and second conveying units halt and in which an upstream conveying unit conveys the sheet at a first speed; after the sheet is cut, the first conveying unit conveys the sheet at a second speed higher than the first speed to reduce a slack formed during the halting; after the sheet is cut, the second conveying unit conveys the downstream-side sheet at a third speed higher than the first speed; if the third conveying unit is nipping the sheet during cutting, the third conveying unit conveys the sheet at the third speed; and if the third conveying unit is not nipping the sheet, the third conveying unit conveys the sheet at the third speed or a fourth speed after the detecting unit detects the sheet.

Abstract: A cutting device is provided with a lower blade, an upper blade and a collar. Inkjet paper, in which an ink-receiving layer is formed on paper, is wound around an outer periphery face of the lower blade, and a blade tip is formed at one axial direction end of the lower blade. The upper blade rotates with a blade tip thereof opposing the blade tip of the lower blade in the axial direction, and the upper blade cuts the inkjet paper from the paper side thereof. The collar supports the inkjet paper, which is wound around the collar at a position that is separated from the lower blade in the axial direction. A portion of the collar, including shoulder curve portions at the two axial direction ends thereof, is constituted with PTFE.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument that is convertible between fretted and fretless playing configurations includes a body, a neck connected to the body at one of its ends, a fingerboard disposed on the neck, a plurality of movable frets spaced apart at positions along the fingerboard, a plurality of strings disposed above the frets, and, according to one aspect of the invention, at least one rod that extends through the frets, wherein the at least one rod is configured to function both as a spring and as a device for retaining the frets in the fingerboard. According to another aspect of the invention, at least one strip of material separates a metallic component of a fret adjustment device from another component of the instrument that is formed from metal, wherein the at least one strip of material is configured to provide permanent dry lubrication for the metallic component of the fret adjustment device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an adaptable panpipe instrument and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the adaptable panpipe instrument includes a collar brace with a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings may be of the same size or varying sizes and are capable of receiving pipe components of a panpipe instrument. When a plurality of pipe components are positioned within the collar brace in a given configuration, it may be secured to the brace by friction-fit, a webbing, and/or one or more fasteners. One or more of the plurality of pipe components may be adjusted relative to the other pipe components by sliding them up or down which may also adjust the musical scale of that pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for its use are provided that relate to an octave/register key for musical wind instruments that combines (i) a vent formed by alignment of an opening of a core and a sidewall aperture of a sleeve, wherein the core is slidably and coaxially mounted within the sleeve, or a vent formed by alignment of sidewall apertures on an inner chamber slidably mounted within an outer chamber, and (ii) the mechanism to open and close such a vent. The device, upon actuation, vents the wind instrument air column to remove the fundamental pitch frequency, and can be mounted anywhere on the body of a musical wind instrument or onto any existing tone hole key of the instrument.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the inventive technology may be a support apparatus that includes at least two item support rails (2) supported by support legs (5) coupled thereto by pivot coupler apparatus (18) that enable rotatable motion of a coupled support rail about a substantially vertical axis (13), where at least one of the item support rails is a non-horizontal item support rail. In certain embodiments, the couplers may be height adjust couplers that enable substantially purely vertical, translatory height adjustment of coupled support rails and/or the couplers may couple item support rails to rail support legs at an angle other than ninety degrees. Items that may be supported include but are not limited to electronic percussion instruments.

Abstract: There is provided a musical score display apparatus which can display a musical score at multiple levels ranging from a partial part to all parts and can display a comment relating to the displayed musical score based on the creation date and time, and a program for realizing a musical score display method. Comment data created in a setting period are displayed on a timeline by using comment icons at positions corresponding to creation date and time. When the highest level button among level selection buttons is operated, the comment icons relating to all parts are displayed on the timeline. When the lowest level button is operated in this state, the comment icon relating to the part to be deleted when the lowest level is selected is also deleted from the timeline in the display musical score of all parts.