Abstract: A machine for cutting structural members such as legs, beams, I-beams or the like for supporting structures made of steel, concrete, steel and concrete, stone-like materials is described

Abstract: A key drive device to be installed on a musical instrument with a keyboard partly located above a leg block via a key bed, including: drive units to be at least partly inserted into a removal space in the key bed. In a state in which the drive units are installed, at least one drive unit which drives at least one key located above the leg block includes: (a) a first portion at least a part of which is inserted into an insertion space portion of the removal space between the leg block and the keyboard; and (b) a second portion at least a part of which is disposed in other space portion of the removal space, a dimension of the second portion in at least one of a vertical direction and a horizontal short-side direction being larger than that of the first portion.

Abstract: A comb-shaped unit used in a music box includes a plurality of metallic strips and an integrally formed striker unit. Melodious music may be generated by the relative motion and hence the friction between the small protrusions and the comb-shaped unit as the cylindrical drum rotates. The strips are spaced apart. Each of some of the strips has a striker provided on its end portion. These strikers are in different sizes. The steel strips of the comb-shaped unit have a greater thickness and hence there is no need for the lead members of the strikers and the additional processes in the prior art. Therefore, the low-frequency effect may be reached and the relevant environmental protection regulations of European Union and the US may be met.

Abstract: A lid structure of a keyboard instrument is provided, which improves a design degree of freedom of an instrument body. When a covered keyboard is changed from a close state to an open state, a front lid rotates relative to a back lid through a rotation shaft. A front guide slot and a rack built in the instrument body are used to guide backward movements of an engagement pin and a pinion. Since the rack is located posterior to the front guide slot, the back lid approximately maintains a pose to move backwards. A height of an accommodating space of the instrument body set to the open state is only required to be equal to a thickness of the back lid. Therefore, the accommodating space is reduced, an overall height of the instrument body is suppressed and a design degree of freedom of the instrument body is improved.

Abstract: A piano frame including a main plate having a first major surface for supporting piano strings and an opposite second major surface for supporting a soundboard. First, second, third and fourth elongate anchor zones are located on the first major surface for anchoring, respectively, first end (upper, tuneable end) and second end (lower, hitched end) of bass strings and first end (upper, tuneable end) and second end (lower, hitched end) of treble strings. A plurality of openings are provided in the main plate between the third anchor zone and the fourth anchor zone. A truss defined by a plurality bracing members integrally formed in the main plate extends between the third anchor zone and the fourth anchor zone. The bracing members are located wholly between a plane extending between the third and fourth anchor zones and a plane defined by the second major surface of the main plate.

Abstract: A method for increasing the resonance of an instrument such as a woodwind instrument having a cap holder inside and a pad coupled to the cap holder comprises: an agitation step for agitating a mixture of a conductive medium that contains at least one of platinum, gold, silver, copper, nickel, bronze, brass, phosphor bronze with solid silicon; a mixture heating step for heating the agitated mixture; a coagulation step for naturally cooling the heated mixture and coagulating into a solid; a mixture pulverization step for pulverizing the mixture; a mixture application step for applying the mixture to the inside of the cap holder; and a pad attaching step for attaching a pad to the interior of the cap holder after the mixture application step.

Abstract: A keyboard device capable of reconstructing a unique clicking sense of an acoustic piano is provided. A first incline portion (a plane or curved surface) of a sliding surface is inclined towards a direction gradually departing from a base portion of a protrusion along a displacement direction of the protrusion in a key-pressing operation for reducing a resistance exerted on the protrusion and suppressing a gradual increase of a sense of resistance. Moreover, a bump portion located at where the protrusion reaches after sliding through the first incline portion is used to increase the resistance exerted on the protrusion for increasing the sense of resistance. When the protrusion crosses over the bump portion, the sense of resistance is reduced. Accordingly, variation in the sense of resistance before and after the bump portion is increased, and the unique clicking sense of the acoustic piano is reproduced.

Abstract: Some or all, of the surface area of the back neck of a guitar is reduced to for a continuous geometric pattern, with spaced depressions or raised ridges, leaving less surface area for the palm of the hand and/or thumb to contact, thereby reducing or eliminating tackiness so that the grip on the neck can be better controlled.

Abstract: In an un-tuned state, the strings of a string instrument are excited, and a standard adjustment factor is determined for each string. When a pitch is generated as a result of a string being strummed (e.g., during normal playing of the instrument), the pitch generated by the string is adjusted by the standard adjustment factor and an intonation adjustment factor that accounts for intonation errors. An adjusted pitch is output that is in-tune and has accurate intonation.

Abstract: This invention concerns a percussion instrument comprising a batter (10) and a resonant (12) drum both including a ring base (14), a lateral wall (16) that stands on it and a membrane (18) which is put in traction on it. The two drums are spaced each other and facing with their bases so as to define a lateral opening (20) for the air set in vibration by the two membranes.

Abstract: A hoop for securing a drum head to a drum, the hoop having a lower portion configured to mount the hoop to a shell of the drum and a flange formed in the lower portion of the hoop. The flange being configured to receive a tension control device for tuning the drum head. The hoop may also include an upper portion that is above and normal to the flange and an annular upper edge formed on the upper portion of the hoop that is rolled over and bent inward toward an inner peripheral surface of the hoop. The upper portion may be fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the hoop be welding or another method of fixing.

Abstract: A drum pedal sensing system may include a base, a foot board, a pedestal, a beater, beater stem, and beater holder operatively connected to the foot board, a sensor holder, and a sensor fixedly coupled to the sensor holder. The beater holder may include a sensing surface that may rotate as the foot board is depressed and that may remain a substantially constant distance from the sensor as the sensing surface rotates. Additionally, the system may include a microprocessor operatively coupled to the sensor that receives signals from the sensor corresponding to motion of the sensing surface. Based on sensed changes such as changes in position, velocity, or acceleration, the microprocessor may determine whether the beater has contacted a drum face and, if so, may send an output signal to a stomp box, drum brain or similar element, with the amplitude of this output signal proportional to strength of the hit.

Abstract: A user interface for a virtual musical instrument presents a number of chord touch regions, each corresponding to a chord of a diatonic key. Within each chord region a number of touch zones are provided, including treble clef zones and bass clef zones. Each treble clef touch zone within a region will sound a different chord voicing. Each bass clef touch zone will sound a bass note of the chord. Other user interactions can modify or mute the chords, and vary the bass notes being played together with the chords. A set of related chords and/or a set of rhythmic patterns can be generated based on a selected instrument and a selected style of music.

Abstract: Synthetic multi-string musical instruments have been developed for capturing and rendering musical performances on handheld or other portable devices in which a multi-touch sensitive display provides one of the input vectors for an expressive performance by a user or musician. Visual cues may be provided on the multi-touch sensitive display to guide the user in a performance based on a musical score. Alternatively, or in addition, uncued freestyle modes of operation may be provided. In either case, it is not the musical score that drives digital synthesis and audible rendering of the synthetic multi-string musical instrument. Rather, it is the stream of user gestures captured at least in part using the multi-touch sensitive display that drives the digital synthesis and audible rendering.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a synthetic simulation of a media recording is disclosed. One embodiment accesses a sound reference archive and heuristically creates a new sound that is matched against at least one sound in the sound reference archive. The media recording is analyzed and a synthetic sound based on the analyzing of the media recording is generated.

Abstract: A method and system for remote concert ensemble using a communication network is disclosed. The remote concert system comprises a server; and a plurality of terminals connected to the server, wherein the terminals transmit a MIDI signal to the server after generating the MIDI signal in accordance with the input of a recital signal, and the server transmits a received MIDI signal to the plurality of terminals synchronically and each of the terminals outputs the MIDI signal received from the server via a corresponding sound source.

Abstract: Pedal device for an electronic keyboard instrument includes a pedal having opposed side walls extending downward from the opposite side edges, in a width direction, of an upper wall, and a reactive force imparting member which imparts reactive force to the pedal by being pressed by the lower surface of the pedal. The reactive force imparting member includes a plate-shaped base portion mounted on a mounting portion of a support member, and an upwardly-convexed dome-shaped body portion integrally formed with the upper surface of the base portion. The body portion and mounting portion each have a width dimension smaller than a distance between the opposed side walls of the pedal so that, during stroke action of the pedal, the body portion and mounting portion falls within a space between the opposed side walls.

Abstract: The invention provides shock initiation devices comprising multilayer structures with constituent layers that undergo an exothermic self-propagating reaction once initiated by shock. The multilayer structures may be used as components in shaped charges, EFP devices, warheads, munition casings, interceptors, missiles, bombs, and other systems. The reactive layer materials may be selected based on required structural properties, density and reaction temperature.

Abstract: This is directed to systems, processes, machines, and other means that allow a pan/tilt gun mount to be radio controlled by a plurality of frequencies. The invention can rapidly rotate and adjust elevation to aim a gun mount as directed by a user.

Abstract: A blast energy mitigation structure may employ a V-shaped hull to decrease the pressure wave imparted to a vehicle during a blast event, and/or an energy absorbing structure to absorb a portion of the blast force, thereby minimizing the forces and accelerations experienced by passengers in the vehicle and consequently reducing their injuries and increasing their survivability during a blast event. An exemplary blast energy mitigation structure may have a V-shaped hull and an energy absorbing structure incorporated into the chassis of a vehicle such as a Tactical Wheeled Vehicle, the energy absorbing structure comprising a truss-like structure including I-beams.

Abstract: An armor plated assembly (20) and a protective wall system (120) containing a protective material. The armor plated assembly (20) comprises of a container (22) having opposing walls (26) for encompassing the protective material. The assembly (20) includes an armor device (24) having a first plate (48) and a second plate (50) with one of the opposing walls (26) sandwiched between the first plate (48) and the second plate (50) securing the armor device (24) to the container (22). The armor device (24) impedes the penetration of a projectile through the armor plated assembly (20). The protective wall system (120) includes at least two of the armor plated assemblies (20) with a mechanical connection (140) between the armor devices (126, 134) of the armor plated assemblies (20) for aligning and securing the assemblies (20) in a stacked orientation.

Abstract: Structure, methodology and performance involving and utilizing body armor strand material which includes an elongate strand body possessing elongate brittle ceramic surface structure, elongate ductile core structure disposed within that surface structure, and elongate brittle/ductile transition structure operatively interposed and joining the surface and core structures. Methodology includes the steps of preparing a defined mass of elongate ceramic-surfaced, ductile-cored strand elements, each including, along the outside of its length, elongate, sharp-angular edges, and placing that mass in the impact path of such a projectile in a manner whereby edges in the strands face the projectile impact path.

Abstract: A spall liner including a first plurality of flexible fabric plies of a first dimension secured together and secured to a first tie layer of a second, larger dimension. At least a second plurality of flexible fabric plies are secured together and secured to a second tie layer. The first and second tie layers are secured together. A cover includes separable fastener structure of a first type for removeably securing the liner to the inside hull of a vehicle equipped with separable fastener structure of a second type.

Abstract: A blast energy mitigation structure may employ a V-shaped hull to decrease the pressure wave imparted to a vehicle during a blast event, and/or an energy absorbing structure to absorb a portion of the blast force, thereby minimizing the forces and accelerations experienced by passengers in the vehicle and consequently reducing their injuries and increasing their survivability during a blast event. An exemplary blast energy mitigation structure may have a V-shaped hull and an energy absorbing structure incorporated into the chassis of a vehicle such as a Tactical Wheeled Vehicle, the energy absorbing structure comprising a truss-like structure including I-beams.

Abstract: An article of armor includes a friction material operative to prevent penetration of a ballistic projectile. The armor is also operative to prevent penetration of a plurality of ballistic projectiles at a single point of impact. The armor may include a backing, or a facing, or may comprise an intermediate layer between a backing and facing in any combination. The armor of the invention applied directly to or attached to an article to be armored so as to cover all or any portion of the article. The backing and facing may include a friction material or a non-friction material. The friction material is a composite of a resin binder agent, a fibrous support structure, a friction modifier system, and a wear system.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant armor material and assembly including a thin, rigid armor component for stopping and capturing ballistic projectiles, backed by a resilient component formed of thermoplastic elastomeric honeycomb material for absorbing projectile strike energy and reducing impact noise and/or blunt trauma injury. The armor component includes multiple layers of high tensile strength aramid fabric or the like sandwiched between front and back plates made of multiple layers of woven carbon cloth impregnated with an epoxy resin or the like. The several layers of the armor component are formed and compressed to provide a rigid outer shell that can advantageously be configured as planar or shaped to suit particular applications. The resilient component is affixed to the inside surface of the armor component and may include one or more layers of flexible honeycomb material having cells that are open, hermetically sealed, or perforated to provide fluid circulation therethrough.

Abstract: A low-carbon martensitic armour steel comprises at least Fe, C, Si and Ni and has a ratio of yield strength to ultimate tensile strength of less than 0.7. The steel includes retained austenite at a volume fraction of at least 1%. The low-carbon martensitic armour steel can be prepared by subjecting a steel which comprises at least Fe, C, Si and Ni and which has a martensite start temperature of less than 210° C. to an austenisation heat treatment step at a temperature of at least 800° C., quenching the steel, and subjecting the steel to a tempering step at a temperature of less than 300° C.

Abstract: An armor material, body armor articles, and methods of manufacturing the armor material are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, the armor material includes a first plate, a second plate, and a powder material. The first plate includes a layer comprising a metallic material. The second plate is spaced apart from the first plate and includes a layer comprising a ceramic material. The powder material is disposed between the first and the second plates, and comprises loose powder including at least one of a plurality of ceramic particles and a plurality of metallic particles.

Abstract: An armor system includes a ceramic armor layer and a ceramic composite armor layer adjacent to the ceramic armor layer. The ceramic composite armor layer includes a ceramic matrix and unidirectionally oriented fibers disposed within the ceramic matrix.

Abstract: A composite material with a ballistic protective effect having a first, outer layer made of a first steel alloy and at least one second layer which is arranged under the first layer and is made of a second steel alloy. The composite material with a ballistic protective effect allows for a reduction in the weight or the wall thicknesses of the composite material in comparison to conventional composite ballistic materials, by utilizing a first steel alloy of the first layer that has the following alloy constituents in percent by weight (% by weight): 0.06%?C?1.05%, 0.05%?Si?1.65%, 0.3%?Mn?2.65%, 0.015%?Al?1.55%; Cr?1.2%, Ti?0.13%, Mo?0.7%, Nb?0.1%, B?0.005%, P?0.08%, S?0.01%, Ni?4.0%, and V?0.05%, the remainder being Fe and inevitable impurities. The second layer of the composite material having a higher elongation than the first layer.

Abstract: Body armor, in particular soft body armor, which has improved properties, and in particular enhanced abrasion resistance. The soft body armor and flexible composite materials useful for such body armor include at least one woven fabric layer, at least one second fabric layer comprising high tenacity fibers having a tenacity of at least about 7 g/d, and at least one first separator layer positioned between the woven fabric layer and the second fabric layer. The first separator layer is a lightweight, thin and flexible layer having an areal density of less than or equal to about 150 g/m2. The first separator layer is not laminated to either of the woven fabric layers or the second fabric layers such that the two layers are free to move relative to each other. Preferably the woven fabric layer is in the form of at least one stack of woven fabric layers and the second fabric layer is in the form of at least one stack of second fabric layers, with the separator layer being positioned between the stacks of layers.

Abstract: An armor for protection against armor piercing and/or high energy projectiles has a ceramic layer with a confinement layer on a front thereof. The ceramic layer is backed by a first metal layer and the first metal layer in turn is backed by a composite layer. A second optional confinement layer may be included between the ceramic and first metal layers. The composite layer is backed by an optional second metal layer, which in turn is backed by an optional anti-trauma layer. The armor is used to protect personnel and objects such as vehicles.

Abstract: An exemplary, substantially optically transparent armor composite is disclosed as comprising: a first layer comprising a first glass material; a second layer comprising a first kinetic energy absorbing urethane material; a third layer comprising a second kinetic energy absorbing urethane material, wherein the third layer comprises a Shore D value less than the Shore D value of the second layer; and an inter-layer comprising a thermoset elastomer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, between the second layer and the third layer, wherein the elastomer is in-situ cured at a temperature from about 70° F. to about 110° F. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve and/or modify the performance characteristics of the transparent/translucent armor composite. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide lightweight transparent armor for use as, for example, bulletproof windows in vehicles and buildings.

Abstract: A ballistic armor system adapted to protect against penetration of the armor system by projectiles, including a first armor layer; a second armor layer, in which the second armor layer is mounted in spaced-apart relationship to the first armor layer, the relationship defining a void volume between the first armor layer and the second armor layer; and a fluid disposed in the void volume, in which the fluid includes a viscoelastic surfactant at a concentration sufficient to exhibit pseudosolid elastic behavior. The fluid may be removed from the void volume by use of a suitable breaker.

Abstract: A non-metallic armor structure having lightweight and being capable of withstanding multiple impacts without substantial degradation of the penetration resistance of the armor.

Abstract: Composite armor panels are disclosed. Each panel comprises a plurality of functional layers comprising at least an outermost layer, an intermediate layer and a base layer. An armor system incorporating armor panels is also disclosed. Armor panels are mounted on carriages movably secured to adjacent rails of a rail system. Each panel may be moved on its associated rail and into partially overlapping relationship with another panel on an adjacent rail for protection against incoming ordnance from various directions. The rail system may be configured as at least a part of a ring, and be disposed about a hatch on a vehicle. Vehicles including an armor system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An encapsulated ballistic protection system (EBPS). In one embodiment, an EBPS for protecting a human or an object from a projectile includes one or more ballistic protection material layers at least substantially encapsulated by encapsulation material having a tensile strength of 20,000 psi or greater. Additionally, in one embodiment, an EBPS includes one or more ballistic protection material layers that are substantially encapsulated by the encapsulation material on a first side adapted to face the human or the object and on a second side opposite the first side and adapted to face the projectile, and the EBPS further includes a compressible layer between the one or more ballistic protection material layers and the encapsulation material on the first side, the compressible layer configured to at least one of dissipate energy, reduce velocity of the projectile, and reduce backface deformation.

Abstract: A dual hardness steel article comprises a first air hardenable steel alloy having a first hardness metallurgically bonded to a second air hardenable steel alloy having a second hardness. A method of manufacturing a dual hard steel article comprises providing a first air hardenable steel alloy part comprising a first mating surface and having a first part hardness, and providing a second air hardenable steel alloy part comprising a second mating surface and having a second part hardness. The first air hardenable steel alloy part is metallurgically secured to the second air hardenable steel alloy part to form a metallurgically secured assembly, and the metallurgically secured assembly is hot rolled to provide a metallurgical bond between the first mating surface and the second mating surface.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a transparent armor laminate having a glass, glass-ceramic or ceramic strike face layer, one or a plurality of glass, glass-ceramic (“GC”), ceramic (“C”) or polymeric (“P”) backing layer behind the strike face layer, one or a plurality of spall catcher (“SC”) layers behind the backing layer(s), and a thin cover glass layer laminated to the strike face, the thin layer being the first layer to be impacted by any incoming projectile or debris. The cover glass has a thickness ?3 mm. In another embodiment the cover glass thickness is ?1 mm. Additionally, a defrosting/defogging element is laminated between the cover glass and the strike face.

Abstract: Textile armour (2) comprising at least one textile section (4) and corresponding supporting means (6), wherein the arrangement is such that the or each textile section is fully extended.

Abstract: Lightweight armor protection systems and methods for armoring a soft-skinned shelter can include a plurality of panel assemblies and a plurality of couplers configured to secure the panel assemblies relative to the soft-skinned shelter. Individual panel assemblies include a plurality of panels positioned adjacent to one another along lengthwise panel edges, wherein the panels are composed of a ballistic material, and a plurality of hinges pivotally coupling the panels. Adjacent individual panels pivot relative to one another between a stacked arrangement of the panel assembly and an expanded arrangement of the panel assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a removable cover for a body armour plate, the cover including a sheet of strong fabric intended to face away from the plate, and an inner, foamed layer intended to face the plate, the cover being surrounded by an endless resilient edging for surrounding a periphery of the plate so as to retain the cover in place on the plate.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant through insert with floating capability for stopping a ballistic projectile, comprising at least one of a bullet, a ballistic fragment, and a particle fragment, may comprise a stud, a floating nut, and a cap. The stud may have a flat base portion and a cylindrical stud portion mounted thereon. The cylindrical stud portion may comprise a stud cylinder aperture. The floating nut may be located inside the stud cylinder aperture such that the floating nut floats within the stud cylinder aperture. The cap may have a flat cap portion and a cylindrical cap portion mounted thereon. The cylindrical cap portion may mate with the cylindrical stud portion. The stud may be made of a material for stopping a ballistic projectile. The flat base portion of the stud may have a minimum thickness for stopping a ballistic projectile.

Abstract: A field configurable vehicle armoring system and associated method allow a user to retrofit and reconfigure a combination of armor components in response to a perceived threat change and using original equipment manufacture fasteners and holes. The system includes pillar armor attachable after an original equipment manufacture door and hinge are removed. Fasteners extend through the hinge of the armored door, the pillar armor and an original equipment manufacture pillar using holes other than the original equipment manufacture holes. Rocker panel and underbody armor is further provided, along with a ballistic resistant windscreen and rear wall armor. Where desired, system armor includes a composite plate comprising a strike face that is constructed from softer metallic material than an inner metallic sheet.

Abstract: A blast armor including a base plate made of a ballistic material and having an inner and outer surface. The cover plate is made of ballistic material and spaced from the inner surface of the base plate to form a space therebetween. The armor comprises at least one energy absorbing module disposed within the space between the base and cover plate. The module has front and rear surfaces, and side surfaces extending therebetween. The module is positioned with at least one of its surfaces facing the base plate and at least another surface thereof faceing the cover plate. The base and cover plate are each made of a material tougher than that of the module. The module is configured to progressively deform between the base and cover plate under the application of a force to the outer surface of the base plate at least partially directed towards its inner surface.

Abstract: A mobile ballistic bunker has a deployment mode and a storage mode. The ballistic bunker has a frame for holding ballistic panels in a vertical disposition for deployment and a horizontal disposition for storage. At least one of the ballistic panels is a vision panel made of a ballistic glass or other see-through ballistic material. The frame is supported by wheels that permit movement of the bunker over rough terrain. The wheels can be retractable to enhance the low-footprint of the bunker for storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stand (100) for a motorcycle, a heavy weapon (70) or a motorcycle (1) equipped with the heavy weapon (70). The stand (100) includes a propping unit (101, 102 and 105) as well as pivoting means (103, 104) for enabling the propping unit (101, 102 and 105) to be swiveled between a working position and a storage position. The propping unit (101, 102 and 105) includes two propping elements (101 and 102). The pivoting means (103, 104) include a pivoting element (103), which allows a simultaneous swiveling and outward spreading motion of the propping elements (101 and 102) from the storage position in the proximity of the chassis of a motorcycle, the heavy weapon (70) or a motorcycle equipped with the heavy weapon (70) to the working position, and locking means (108, 109 and 110) for securing the propping elements (101 and 102) in the working position and in the storage position.

Abstract: An anti-rotation wire lock for use in a piston to reduce rotation of the anti-rotation wire lock while seated inside a wrist pin lock groove of the piston. The anti-rotation wire lock includes a wire lock body which curls from a first end of the wire lock body and a second end which extends in a direction out of a plane defined by the curled wire lock body. In addition, wire lock tools are disclosed for inserting and removing the anti-rotation wire lock.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a piston-cylinder unit with a device for determining position, the device comprising at least one exciter that is indirectly or directly electrically connected with the cylinder jacket and the cylinder piston of the piston-cylinder unit, and that excites the electrical oscillating circuit formed by the piston-cylinder unit and the contact lines to oscillate at its resonant frequency, it being possible to measure an electrical signal characterizing the resonant frequency on the piston-cylinder unit. The invention also relates to a construction machine or piece of hoisting equipment with such a piston-cylinder unit.

Abstract: In a device and a method for mixing and exchanging fluids, a first chamber is a mixing chamber with static mixing elements. First and second fluids flow through the first chamber in a mixing fluid flow direction. A second chamber adjacent the first chamber is a fluid feeding or discharge chamber through which the second fluid flows. A semipermeable membrane separates the volume of the first chamber from the volume of the second chamber. The membrane is impermeable to molecules or molecule agglomerations of the first fluid and permeable to molecules or molecule agglomerations of the second fluid. The membrane is made of a material or is coated with a material to which the molecules or molecule agglomerations of one of the two fluids have a lower affinity. Alternatively, or in addition, the membrane is elastic and spans a support wall with holes.