Abstract: The shapes of reflecting parts in a hermetically sealed container are inclined to prevent generation of an unnecessary echo. In a short-axis oscillating ultrasonic probe, a piezoelectric element group arranged along a long-axis direction and having an acoustic lens on an ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving surface, is provided on a rotary holding table housed in a hermetically sealed container. An ultrasonic wave transmitted and received to/from the ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving surface of the piezoelectric element group is mechanically scanned in the short-axis direction of the piezoelectric element group by rotating and oscillating the rotary holding table in the short-axis direction, and a liquid serving as an acoustic medium is filled in the hermetically sealed container.

Abstract: A transducer comprising a filter assembly that measures low amplitude, dynamic pressure perturbations superimposed on top of a high static pressure through the implementation of a low-pass mechanical filter assembly. The filter assembly may comprise a dual lumen reference tube and a removable filter subassembly further comprising a porous metal filter and narrow diameter tube. The transducer, which may be capable of operating at ultra-high temperatures and in harsh environments, may comprise of a static piezoresistive pressure sensor, which measures the large pressures on the order of 200 psi and greater, and an ultrasensitive, dynamic piezoresistive pressure sensor which may capture small, high frequency pressure oscillations on the order of a few psi. The filter assembly may transmit static pressure to the back of the dynamic pressure sensor to cancel out the static pressure present at the front of the sensor while removing dynamic pressure.

Abstract: Described is drug infusion device with one or more vents that permit the passage of gas between the exterior and interior of the device's housing. In one embodiment the device may include multiple interior chambers of differing volume and pressure sensors placed between them, while vents to ambient pressure are included in each chamber. According to this exemplary structure, the readings from the pressure sensor may be used to determine malfunctions in the venting of the device and/or changes in pressure that could cause the unintended delivery of medication.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting high pressures includes a micromechanical sensor element which is situated on a support and is mounted via this support. A diaphragm is formed in the upper surface of the sensor element, the diaphragm spanning a cavern having a rear opening. The support has a passage opening and is connected to the rear side of the sensor element in such a way that the passage opening opens into the rear opening of the cavern. An annular recess is formed in the rear side of the sensor element, the annular recess being situated above the edge area of the passage opening, so that the joining surface between the sensor element and the support does not extend to the edge of the passage opening.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes: a container; a pressure receiving member which forms apart of the container; a pressure sensitive element which has a pressure sensing portion and a pair of base portions connected to both ends of the pressure sensing portion, and which has a detection axis parallel to a line connecting the base portions, and in which the detection axis is parallel to a displacement direction of the pressure receiving member, and which detects pressure based on displacement of the pressure receiving member; and a gate-shaped frame which includes a pair of shock absorbing portions that interposes the pressure sensitive element and is connected to a side of the pressure receiving member close to the peripheral portion or a side of the container close to the pressure receiving member and a beam portion that connects distal ends of the shock absorbing portions.

Abstract: An aspect of a pressure sensor package is that a condensed droplet can be prevented from solidifying and blocking the hole of a pressure inlet pipe, without increasing the external dimensions of the package. Aspects of the invention include a groove in a wall surface of a hole of a pressure inlet pipe, a droplet condensed on the wall surface spreads along the groove by a capillary action, and it is possible to prevent the hole of the pressure inlet pipe being blocked by the droplet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing the stability of a mast standing on a substrate or of a similarly standing system. According to such a method for testing the stability of a standing system, the natural frequency of a mast to be examined is determined. By the aid of the natural frequency, a measure for the stability is determined computationally and/or numerically and evaluated on the basis of the determined measure for stability. A device is comprised of the means to be able to implement such a testing method in automatized manner.

Abstract: A test station for testing golf clubs has a clamp on the lower portion holding a shaft extending along a first axis. Sensors along that axis detect shaft vibrations torsion vibrations. Four towers are movably connected to a rail extending along the top portion of the base. Two of the towers have a first vertically adjustable shaft positioner and a device to detect forces exerted on the first shaft positioners. The other two towers also have vertically adjustable shaft positioners. The towers are used to determine stiffness, center of gravity, swing point and other properties. A drawer in the base contains a scale to measure the club length, and a pivoted stop to measure head angle.

Abstract: A measuring system comprises a measuring transducer which includes: a transducer housing with an inlet-side flow divider having exactly four, mutually spaced flow openings and an outlet-side housing end having exactly four, mutually spaced flow openings; four measuring tubes connected to the flow dividers for guiding flowing medium along flow paths connected in parallel; an electromechanical, exciter mechanism for producing and/or maintaining mechanical oscillations of the four measuring tubes; as well as a vibration sensor arrangement reacting to vibrations of the measuring tubes for producing oscillation measurement signals representing vibrations of the measuring tubes. Transmitter electronics includes a driver circuit for the exciter mechanism, and a measuring circuit. The measuring circuit of the measuring system of the invention corrects a change of at least one characteristic variable of the oscillation measurement signals delivered from the measuring transducer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibrating sensor assembly (310). The vibrating sensor assembly (310) includes a conduit (103A), a driver (104), and at least a first pick-off (105). The driver (104) includes a first driver component (104a) and a second driver component (104b). The first pick-off (105) includes a first pick-off component (105a) and a second pick-off component (105b). The vibrating sensor assembly (310) also includes a first reference member (250). The first pick-off component (105a) is coupled to the conduit (103A) while the second pick-off component (105b) is coupled to the first reference member (250). The vibrating sensor assembly (310) also includes a second reference member (350). The first driver component (104a) is coupled to the conduit (103A) while the second driver component (104b) is coupled to the second reference member (350).

Abstract: A target magnet assembly configured to be secured to a rotating shaft of a steering gear assembly. The target magnet assembly includes an index hub with a mount and a magnet secured by the mount. The mount includes a tab with a protrusion extending from the tab, a finger, and a stop. The magnet includes an axial retention groove receiving the finger, a top surface abutting the stop, and a radial retention groove receiving the protrusion.

Abstract: (Problem) To provide a load detection sensor capable of stably weighing a heavy object to be weighed in high precision (Means to solve the problem) The load detection sensor 40 according to the present invention comprises a force sensor 41 including a tuning fork vibrator and a block body 42 that has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape and transmits an applied load to the force sensor by using a lever to reduce the load. It is characterized in that the block body 42 contains therein a lever mechanism and a Roberval mechanism by working on the longitudinal side thereof and that the force sensor 41 is coupled to the side of the block body 42. Although the block body is cut and ground in the side for fabricating the lever mechanism and the Roberval mechanism, it maintains the rectangular parallelepiped outer shape and sufficient mechanical strength, thereby enabling to stably reduce the applied load.

Abstract: A composite comprising a pliable base material and nanoscale anisotropic conductive particles; whereby deformation of the composite causes a change in the electrical conductivity of the composite.

Abstract: A method for injecting a sample being analyzed into the injection tube of a measurement cell which includes an injection opening and a punch. The sample is introduced into a syringe including a plunger, and the syringe is closed by an expendable cap having a male end closed by a strikable closure. The syringe is secured to the support of an injection station aligned with the injection opening, and a pusher displaces the syringe by vertical translation from an upper position to a lower position with the punch perforating the closure of the cap to inject the sample from the syringe into the injection tube.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave resonator including an input interdigital transducer (IDT), an output IDT, and a pair of gratings with each being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance and attached to a substrate. In at least one embodiment, the distance is equal to one-half of the wavelength of the acoustic wave produced by the input IDT. In a further embodiment, the surface acoustic wave further includes a polymer layer and a biomedical coating covering at least a part of the polymer layer. The surface acoustic wave resonator has uses in the mass sensor and communications fields.

Abstract: A rain test device for a whole railway vehicle comprising a tunnel-shaped water spray pipeline, an underground reservoir, a main water pump, a water collecting flume and an underground sedimentation tank, wherein one end of the main water pump is connected with a suction foot valve to be extended into the underground reservoir, and the other end of the main water pump is connected to the tunnel-shaped water spray pipeline; the water collecting flume corresponds to the width of a vehicle body of the whole railway vehicle in the tunnel-shaped water spray pipeline and is in fluid communication with the underground sedimentation tank, and the underground sedimentation tank is further in fluid communication with the underground reservoir.

Abstract: An actuating device has a drive element with a cylinder (1) and a piston (2) having a piston rod (3). A toothed rack (4) is provided outside the cylinder (1) on the piston rod (3). The toothed rack (4) is implemented to cooperate with a gear element (5). An actuating element (6), pivotable in relation to the drive element, is situated in a rotationally-fixed manner with the gear element (5). An intermediate gear element (7) is situated between the cylinder (1) and the gear element (5). The intermediate gear element (7) cooperates, on one side, with the toothed rack (4) and, on the other side, with the gear element (5).

Abstract: An actuator has planetary rollers disposed between a rotor shaft of an electric motor and an outer ring member fixed around the rotor shaft. The planetary rollers are rotated about the axis of the rotor shaft and about their own axes, thereby converting rotary motion of the rotor shaft to linear motion of the planetary rollers A helical groove is formed in the radially outer surface of each planetary roller in which a helical rib formed on the radially inner surface of the outer ring member is received. The helical groove has a pitch equal to that of the helical rib and a lead angle different from that of the helical rib. The amount of the linear motion of the planetary rollers relative to the amount of the rotary motion of the rotor shaft is determined by the difference in lead angle between the helical groove and the helical rib.

Abstract: A drive system of an electric vehicle includes a drive motor, a transmission and a hydraulic system. The transmission has an input shaft, a countershaft, an output shaft, a first transmission unit placed between the countershaft and the output shaft, a first clutch, a second transmission unit placed between the countershaft and the input shaft, and a second clutch. The drive motor is attached to the input shaft, which is attached to the countershaft to provide power of the drive motor to the countershaft; the first clutch is configured for linking or cutting off the power transmission between the countershaft and the first transmission unit; and the second clutch is configured for linking or cutting off the power transmission between the countershaft and the second transmission unit. The first transmission unit has a first transmission ratio greater than a second transmission ratio of the second transmission unit.

Abstract: A gear includes an outer ring, an inner ring, gear teeth, and elastic members engaged with the gear teeth. The outer ring defines a number of first fixing holes. The inner ring and the outer ring are concentric, and the inner ring defines a number of second fixing holes respectively corresponding to the first fixing holes, and each pair of first and second fixings hole align with the center of the rings, and define an axis of movement for spring loaded gear teeth.

Abstract: Provided are a motion guide device and a screw device each having a cover for protecting the device against moisture, such as coolant, and powder dust. The motion guide device has a raceway member 11, a moving member main body 21 mounted on the raceway member 11 through a plurality of rolling elements and cap members 22 attached to respective end surfaces of the moving member main body 21 in a relative moving direction. A seal cover 50 is provided having a cover main body 51 that covers each of the cap members 22 and a seal section 55 that is provided between the cover main body 51 and a cap member-side end surface of the moving member main body 21 to stop a gap between the cap member-side end surface of the moving member main body 21 and the cover main body 51. This structure makes it possible to reliably prevent any foreign material, such as powder dust or swarf, and moisture, such as coolant, from getting into the inside of the moving member 20.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ball screw module including a screw shaft, a nut member, a ball connector, and a circulating device mounted on the nut member. A helical rolling track is formed between the screw shaft and the nut member. The circulating device is in communication with the helical rolling track and has a circulating route. The circulating route includes an intermediate route, two connecting routes connecting the intermediate route, and two guiding sidewalls formed at sides of the circulating route. The guiding sidewalls guide the ball connector to twist in a clockwise direction while the ball connector entering and leaving the intermediate route and guide the ball connector to twist in a counterclockwise direction while the ball connector passing the intermediate route.

Abstract: A manual valve control for a multi-speed vehicle transmission is provided. Electronic and hydraulic components are provided, including trim valve systems that are multiplexed by a shift valve and a manual valve. The trim valves and shift valve are self-diagnosing via a plurality of multiplexed pressure switches. The control enables single and double range shifts among the multiple forward speed ratios, including shifts to and from sixth and higher forward ratios, reverse and neutral. The control also includes a reduced engine load at stop feature. In addition, a power off/limp home feature provides a plurality of failure modes, including a failure mode for sixth and higher forward speed ratios.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an outer jacket defining a through aperture and an inner jacket slidably disposed within the outer jacket. A plurality of steering shafts are movable relative to one another within the inner jacket. A frictional plate is disposed within the through aperture for selectively engaging the inner jacket. A radial force transmitting assembly is coupled to the frictional plate and applies a force on the frictional plate causing the frictional plate to engage the inner jacket. The radial force transmitting assembly includes a first cam member and a second cam each coupled to the frictional plate and each including a plurality of inclined surfaces facing one another. A lever is coupled to one of the cam members for rotating the other of the cam members for applying a force on the frictional plate to prevent movement of the steering shafts.

Abstract: A handlebar grip assembly of the present invention includes a sleeve, two covers and two clamps. The sleeve has two clamping ends which defines several axial grooves. A first clamping piece is defined between any two adjacent grooves. The first clamping piece is formed with an axial rib and a first lateral rib which crosses through the axial rib. The cover has several second clamping pieces which is adapted for being inserted in the grooves. The second clamping piece is formed with a second lateral rib. The first lateral ribs and the second lateral ribs are coplanar arranged. The clamp has an inner surface which is formed with an annular recess and several axial recesses. The annular recess is adapted for the first lateral ribs and the second lateral ribs to be received therein. The axial recesses are adapted for the axial ribs to be received therein.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a rim with an armature substantially encapsulated by foam. The foam includes a major foam member and a separate minor foam member. The major foam member has a cross-sectional profile effective to cover a major cross-sectional extent of the armature and define a gap in the foam member adjacent the armature. The gap has a maximum cross-sectional width which is equal to or less than the cross-sectional width of the armature, and is substantially filled by said minor foam member.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal mounting structure includes a pedal assembly and a retaining sleeve connected to the pedal assembly. The retaining sleeve has a positioning groove defined therein. The pedal assembly includes a pedal and a spindle pivotally mounted on the pedal. A pivot sleeve is sleeved on the spindle and has a limiting flange formed thereon. The pivot sleeve has a receiving groove and at least two bores defined therein. A positioning ball is received in each bore. A slidable sleeve has a through hole defined therein for sleeving on the pivot sleeve. The slidable sleeve has an annular recess and an inserted recess defined therein. The slidable sleeve has a limiting flange formed thereon. A first spring is compressively sleeved on the pivot sleeve and abutting against between the limiting flange of the pivot sleeve and the limiting flange of the slidable sleeve.

Abstract: A system for lubricating a differential mechanism includes a housing containing a ring gear, a pinion meshing with the ring gear, a sump containing fluid, and a reservoir that receives fluid flung from the ring gear as the ring gear rotates through the sump fluid, and an orifice restricting the flow rate of fluid from the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of recovering a valuable metal from slag is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: applying a magnetic field whose magnitude is increased in a stepwise fashion to crushed slag to separate a magnetic material from the crushed slag; and introducing a reductant into the separated magnetic material to recover a valuable metal therefrom. The method is advantageous and cost effective because the recovery rate of iron (Fe) from slag exceeds 50% by using a magnetic field, thus reducing the amount of slag to be wasted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processing method for converting slag ejected from a converter in a copper smelting process to raw materials for iron manufacture. The processing method is for converter slag containing 1 mass % or more of Cu produced in a copper smelting process. The processing method comprises a step of charging the converter slag in a reduction furnace, and a step of conducting a heat reduction of a zinc content and a copper content contained in the slag and removing a reduced zinc by volatilization in the reduction furnace. The removal of the reduced zinc by volatilization is conducted in a condition in which an air fuel ratio of a volume of air blowing to an input of a reductant is controlled to 0.25 to 1.0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for recovering valuable metals from slag and manufacturing multifunctional aggregate, wherein a reducing agent is fed into molten slag discharged into a slag pot or a slag reforming pot from a converter or an electric arc furnace thus recovering valuable metals from the molten slag, and then the molten slag is formed into a lightweight porous structure. Accordingly, the valuable metals (Fe, Mn) are recovered from the slag discharged from the converter or electric arc furnace, and slag having low specific gravity is ensured using foaming and controlled cooling and then formed into multifunctional aggregate.

Abstract: An improved method for processing of nickel-bearing ores, particularly saprolite and limonite, to recover the valuable minerals contained therein, comprising leaching the ore with nitric acid to form a slurry; separating the iron values by precipitation, removing the iron values; forming a liquid/solid residue in which nickel, cobalt and magnesium are in solution, and manganese and aluminum, when present, are solid residues in oxide form; conducting a liquid-solid separation and removing the solids; and recovering the nickel, cobalt, and manganese from the liquid-metal concentrate. The leachate is recovered and nitric acid from the leachate is recycled.

Abstract: Provided is a gas valve key having a valve engagement body including a stem receiving cavity sized and configured to receive a gas valve stem. The key includes a first elongate member including a first body having first proximal and distal end portions. The first distal end portion defines a first end face. A second elongate member is connected to the valve engagement body and includes a second body having second proximal and distal end portions. The second elongate member is slidably connected to the first elongate member. The gas valve key further includes a locking element having a hook portion being disposable within an aperture formed within the first body to mitigate movement of the second elongate member relative to the first elongate member when the second elongate member is in an extended position.

Abstract: The pair of locking pliers contains a seesaw member pivotally joined to a back end of a first handle; and an adjustment member capable of sliding up and down within the first handle. The adjustment member contains an adjustment body and an adjustment bolt axially and rotatably threading through the adjustment body. The seesaw member contains a seesaw handle and a torsion spring engaging the seesaw handle so that a first chain of teeth of the seesaw handle engages or disengages a second chain of teeth along the adjustment body to lock the adjustment body or to allow the adjustment body to slide up and down. When the adjustment body slides, a spacing between the jaws of the locking pliers are adjusted quickly. When the adjustment body is locked by the seesaw handle, the adjustment bolt is twisted to fine-tune the jaw spacing.

Abstract: An attachment is mated to a power screwdriver by use of an adapter that is first fixed onto the screwdriver. The attachment includes an automatic fastener driver that receives a collated strip of fasteners, and drives them into a working surface. The attachment is mated to the adapter; the attachment contains a radial type of mechanical coupling that can be rotated without dismounting the attachment from the power screwdriver. In this manner, the angular orientation between the attachment and the power screwdriver can be changed “on the fly” by the user. This combination allows the user to keep his or her hands at their operating positions throughout this procedure, thereby allowing the user to re-commence using the combination tool quickly after readjusting the operating angle.

Abstract: A tool for manipulating the hand brake controls on a railroad car by a user standing on the ground generally comprises an elongate handle and a split collar swivelly attached to the distal end of the handle. The collar includes split for passage of the rim of a brake wheel, and a central bore for retaining the rim while the user turns the brake wheel with the collar bearing against a spoke. A cavity in distal end of handle is adapted for engaging the free end of a brake release handle for moving it to release the brakes. Each side of the collar includes a concave portion adapted for engaging a spoke of the brake wheel for turning the wheel for final tightening of the brakes. Preferably, the handle includes a plurality of telescopingly coupled sections and locks for locking the handle at an extended position.

Abstract: A weight reduction re-profiling process after dynamic balance for a wheel set of a passenger train, comprising the following steps: designing a spindle end clamp and a tailstock end clamp according to structures of screw holes on an end of train axle; fixing the spindle end clamp to the train axle; hanging up the wheel set, aligning a center hole of the spindle end clamp with a top tip of a spindle end of a lathe, and inserting a handle portion of the spindle end clamp into a drive plate hole; aligning an eccentric hole of the tailstock end clamp with a scribed line on an end for weight reduction after dynamic balance by visual inspection, then sheathing the tailstock end clamp on the train axle, aligning a top tip of tailstock of the lathe with the eccentric hole of the tailstock end clamp, and tightening them; and so on.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel machine for repairing damaged wheel rims whereby the machine is a combination CNC and manual lathe configured of performing all of the required tasks for repairing damaged wheel rims in a single unit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system and method for cutting soft material has an ultrasonic transducer that vibrates axially at least one horn blade having a serrated edge so that when the horn blade is moved into the food product being cut, it is vibrating in a direction in and out of the food product to make a plunge cut.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for slicing a block of food (1) into portions (3) of precise weight. The invention further relates to a slicing machine (12) and to a block of food (1).

Abstract: An apparatuses, methods and systems for creating, handling and collecting seed portions are highly beneficial. The apparatus includes a carrier having one or more carrying positions adapted to carry a seed. The carrying positions having a seed orienter adapted to orient the seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier for creating seed portions therefrom. The method includes taking a carrier having one or more carrying positions, orienting a seed relative to the carrying position in the carrier, ablating the seed with a seed ablation device, and communicating seed portions through a manifold into a compartment layer. The system includes a seed manifold adapted to dock thereon a seed carrier having pre-positioned and pre-oriented seed therein. Seed and seed portions removed from the seed in the carrier are communicated into a collector and compartment layer respectively using the seed manifold.

Abstract: [Task] A sheet material is cut in a predetermined closed loop shape. [Means for solving task] A cutting apparatus for a sheet material, comprises: an air table which is capable of ejecting or sucking air through a plurality of minute punching sections thereof; a template having at least one recess groove section in a predetermined closed loop shape mounted and fixed onto the air table and a punching section located at each of positions on the template which is coincident with a position of each of the punching sections of the air table; a cutter blade disposed on an upper position of the sheet material mounted on the template to cut the sheet material along the recess groove section of the template; and cutter blade driving means which is capable of moving and rotating the cutter blade in X, Y, and Z coordinate axes.

Abstract: A piercing device, for capsules for preparing beverages, comprising a plate that can be associated with a capsule for infusions and at least one penetrator that protrudes at right angles from the plate toward the capsule and is provided with at least one external cutting edge for the penetration of at least part of the penetrator into the capsule as a consequence of the mutual approach of the plate and the capsule; passage duct is defined in the penetrator that terminates, at its ends, in a passage provided on the face of the plate that lies opposite the face provided with the penetrator, and at least one aperture provided in the part of the penetrator that can penetrate into the capsule for the passage of fluid from the face to the capsule or vice versa, the external cutting edge extending laterally to the penetrator along a helical profile.

Abstract: The present invention extends to handheld practice devices for practicing to play stringed instruments. More specifically, the present invention relates to a practice device that may assist a user in learning how to properly finger and play a stringed musical instrument. A user can hold an elongate handle and place one or more of his or her fingers on strings to practice fingerings that are used to play chords/notes. Real instrument strings can be used, helping to strengthen a user's fingertips and get the fingertips accustomed to holding/pinching the instrument strings. Further, the stringed instrument practice device can be portable and sized to fit within the user's hand. Accordingly, a user can realize advantages of the invention and utilize practice methods while the user is “on the go,” riding on a bus, watching television, waiting in line, etc.

Abstract: Wherein a cajon incorporating a rattle system is attached to the front panel of the cajon, provision is made that the rattle system give off a more desirable musical rattle or buzzing sound then any prior art as the cajon is played by a percussionist. With the rattle system mounted and in place, it's hollow body allows free moving glass beads to be set into motion creating a much desired audible response upon impact of the front face of the cajon. Further, this audible response is a controlled or gated response due to the way the glass beads travel up an incline within the rattle assembly and then return to their relative starting positions leaving no lingering rattle or buzzing sound.

Abstract: A drum riser incorporating third party clamps and bars making one sturdy rack and riser combination. The third party clamps are attached to the riser by way of the clamp receivers. These receivers are placed in several locations to accommodate multiple configurations. The receivers are mounted by bolts to the riser making them removable so they can be moved to different locates on the riser. The risers small platform is achieved by mounting the rack out at an angle and attaching all components from the rack; allowing for the most space saving configuration possible. The riser can be manipulated to accommodate acoustic drums, electronic drums, and hand percussion. The height of the riser can be adjusted by interchanging the riser legs, which are available in varying heights. The riser is constructed of a rigid metal and welded together making a solid and durable unit.

Abstract: A percussion instrument is disclosed that may include a body having a longitudinal axis extending from a butt end to a striking end thereof and at least one hole extending along a transverse axis through the thickness of the body; and a grasping mechanism having a first grip plate at a first end thereof and a second grip plate at a second end thereof, and at least one shaft extending through the hole in the body. The percussion instrument may further include a compliance mechanism disposed between the first and second grip plates, enabling the first and second grip plates to be brought closer together in response to a compressive force applied to the grasping mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the percussion instrument may include one or more recesses or bores that operate to permit the grip plates to be disposed therein for a more compact design.

Abstract: A manipulator information obtaining unit obtains at least a note name corresponding to a manipulator manipulated. A storage device includes a register configured to store at least possible note names, note names in a history of manipulators manipulated, and key candidates, and a first table configured to store diatonic scale notes for each of the key candidates. A key determination unit compares the note names in a history of manipulators manipulated with the diatonic scale notes for each of the key candidates and determines whether there is a key candidate in which all of the note names in the history of the manipulators coincide with any of the diatonic scale notes of the key candidate, thereby determining a key of a musical composition played by the manipulation of the manipulators, and storing the determined key in the register.

Abstract: Detection is made of a physical amount caused by operation performed on a mouthpiece with a human player's mouth, and a tone pitch corresponding to the detected physical amount is identified by referencing a memory storing information defining relationship between various ranges of the physical amount and tone pitches. Expected tone generating style is notified to the player based on the identified tone pitch. The memory contains a pitch table defining relationship between various ranges of the physical amount and tone pitches, and a gain table defining gain information corresponding to deviations of the physical amount from a predetermined reference point for each tone pitch and within the range of the physical amount corresponding to the tone pitch. For the detected physical amount, a tone pitch and gain information are identified by referencing the pitch gain tables, so that the identified tone pitch and gain information is notified.

Abstract: A pedal device for an electronic percussion instrument, including: a base; a foot board supported at its first end portion to the base and configured to pivot by depression; an arm rotatably supported at its first end at a pivot point located near to a second end portion of the foot board, the arm being pivotable about the pivot point; a mass portion provided near to a second end of the arm; a regulating portion for regulating a locus of displacement of the mass portion when the foot board is moved from a depression start position to a depression end position; and a stopper portion provided on the base for defining the depression end position by contacting the mass portion in a forward stroke of depression, the regulating portion regulating the locus of the displacement of the mass portion so as not to contain a downward component in the forward stroke.