Abstract: There are described solid compositions or examining drug solubility comprising bile salts and phospholipids, optionally containing buffer components suitable for preparation of intestinal media that simulate the composition of the intestinal fluids in fasted and fed states.

Abstract: A probe head for a coordinate measuring machine has a coupling part having a retaining pin, on which a probe tool is detachably arranged. The probe tool has at least one stylus for touching a measurement object, and a rotary plate. The rotary plate is coupled to the coupling part by means of the retaining pin in one of a plurality of defined rotation angle positions. Moreover, the rotary plate has a latching mechanism including at least one adjustable latching element and a detector. The latching element has a latching position in which it fastens the rotary plate on the retaining pin, and it has a release position in which it releases the retaining pin. The detector generates a signal which is representative of at least one from the latching position and the release position.

Abstract: A power takeoff unit transmits torque taken from a transmission of a vehicle to an output shaft. The power takeoff unit is comprised of a casing combinable with the transmission at a first end; a first shaft receiving the torque about a first axis; a second shaft rotatable about the first axis; a clutch slidably fitting with the second shaft and being directed to the first shaft, the clutch being movable along the first axis between a first position to interrupt transmission of the torque and a second position to transmit the torque from the first shaft to the second shaft; a first gear projecting from the bearing toward the first end and being rotatable along with the second shaft without any support excepting the bearing; and a third shaft including a second gear meshing with the first gear, thereby outputting the transmitted torque.

Abstract: A powered dispensing tool includes a housing, a motor at least partially positioned within the housing, a rack operably coupled to the motor for powered translation, and a transmission selectively operably coupling the motor and the rack. The transmission includes an output shaft rotatable in response to rotation of the motor, and an output member drivably coupled to the rack and supported on the output shaft for relative rotation therewith. The transmission also includes a clutch member coupled for co-rotation with the output shaft and movable along the output shaft between a first position, in which the clutch member is engaged with the output member for transferring torque from the output shaft to the output member, and a second position, in which the clutch member is disengaged from the output member to inhibit torque transfer between the output shaft and the output member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration exciter for generating a directed excitation vibration, especially for installation in a vibration tamper, and a machine with such a vibration exciter, comprising at least two parallel extending unbalance shafts which are rotatable against one another, on which at least one respective fixed unbalance mass and at least one respective movable unbalance mass are arranged, with the positions of the movable unbalance masses on the unbalance shafts being variable by way of an adjusting device for adjusting the amplitude of the exciter vibration, and with the adjusting device comprising a central adjusting element for amplitude adjustment which acts on the movable unbalance masses of the two unbalance shafts, which central adjusting element is arranged coaxially to a rotational axis (AS) about which the vibration exciter is rotatable for the purpose of vector adjustment of the excitation vibration.

Abstract: An adjustable camshaft sprocket assembly includes a hub and a sprocket body secured to the hub. A stud-receiving opening is defined in one of the hub flange and the sprocket body, and a tool-receiving opening is defined in the other of the hub flange and the sprocket body. The tool-receiving opening is aligned with the stud-receiving opening and is adapted to receive a body portion of an adjustment tool, and the stud-receiving opening is adapted to receive an eccentric stud of the adjustment tool. Either the stud-receiving opening or the tool-receiving opening is elongated. Rotation of the adjustment tool when its body is located in the tool-receiving opening and its eccentric stud is located in the stud-receiving opening causes relative angular movement between the hub and the sprocket body. One or more fasteners are used to immovably secure the sprocket body to the hub after adjustment. A tool includes cylindrical base, a driving head, and an eccentric stud.

Abstract: An instrumental unit includes: a step motor; a gear including: a gear body rotated by torque of the step motor, the gear body including a first surface formed with a recess and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a rotary shaft projecting from the first and second surfaces; a controlling spring accommodated in the recess, a center of the controlling spring through which the rotary shaft projects, the controlling spring having lengths in long and short axis directions orthogonal to each other and having a line-symmetric shape with respect to each of the long and short axis directions; and a case accommodating the step motor, the gear body and the controlling spring, an inner surface of the case including: a first portion supporting the second surface; and a second portion pressing the controlling spring in the recess of the first surface.

Abstract: A bidirectional gear set includes a male bidirectional gear component having an array of addendum teeth and a female bidirectional gear component having an array of dedendum sockets, wherein each dedendum socket has a full boundary edge around an open end thereof. One or both of the male and female gear components may have a circular cross sectional geometry, or one may have a non-circular cross sectional geometry. The non-circular cross sectional geometry may be a flat sheet or a sheet with surface contour. In an intermeshed state, neither the male nor the female component can ‘slide’ relative to the other regardless of whether the male and female components are arranged in a parallel or perpendicular orientation. A method of making a bidirectional gear set is disclosed.

Abstract: A ball screw with sectional circulating assemblies comprises an inner circulating block and an outer circulating block. In assembly, the inner circulating block is initially placed between the screw shaft and the nut before the rolling balls and the screw shaft are positioned, thus preventing the rolling balls from dropping out and the interference with the threads of the screw shaft. After the rolling balls and the screw shaft are positioned, the outer circulating block is placed into the nut and engaged with the inner circulating block, and the outer circulating block is fixed to the nut. This method can maintain the tightness of the nut, thus preventing the leakage of noise.

Abstract: In an automotive servo-assisted mechanical transmission, an electro-hydraulic actuation group has an actuation unit, a power unit able to provide hydraulic pressure to the actuation unit and an electronic control unit, the actuation and power units being equipped with respective components that are all mounted on a hydraulic casing of the actuation unit so as to define with one another a single assembly, at least part of the components being equipped with respective electrical connectors that are arranged in a manner such that they can all be engaged by a same multiple electrical connector device, electrically connectable to the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A gear shift control device of a saddle ride type vehicle includes an operation pedal; a movable part which includes a movable member interlocking with and connected to the operation pedal and which has at least one of a click mechanism configured to give click feeling to an operation of the operation pedal, a stopper mechanism configured to restrict a turning operation range of the operation pedal, and a return mechanism configured to apply a spring force in a return direction to the operation pedal; and a detector which detects a gear shift operation performed by using the operation pedal, the gear shift control device configured to make a transmission perform a gear shift on the basis of a detection result of the detector.

Abstract: A robot according to an aspect of embodiments includes a motor and a hypoid gear. The motor is provided in a robot arm. The hypoid gear transmits the driving force of the motor to a leading-edge arm coupled to the robot arm to swing the leading-edge arm or to rotate an end effector.

Abstract: An output member is connected with an input member through three sets of link mechanisms for alteration in attitude. The link mechanism includes end portion link mechanisms on an input side and an output side, respectively, and an intermediate link member. The link mechanism is such that a geometric model of each of the link members expressed by lines represents such a shape as an input side portion and an output side portion relative to a center of the intermediate link member are symmetrical with each other. By actuating two or more sets of the link mechanisms by means of a link mechanism drive source, the attitude of the output member is controlled. Through the inside of an arrangement of the link mechanisms, a flexible wire is provided for transmitting a rotational force in a direction of arrangement of the input and output members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering column for a vehicle and a steering apparatus having the same. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent loads transmitted to the steering column from being concentrated to a part of the steering column, to uniformize the distribution of operation force of the adjusting lever, and to prevent the deformation and damage of the steering column when the driver operates the steering wheel by maintaining the bearing forces of the upper tube and the lower tube at the time of tightening and releasing the adjusting lever for a tilt or telescope operation while increasing the rigidity of the entirety of the steering column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering actuator for a motor vehicle having a steering spindle displaceably mounted in a longitudinal direction in a steering housing, the steering spindle carrying a piston in a non-rotatable and non-displaceable manner, which is arranged so as to be displaceable with the steering spindle in a section of the steering housing designed as a cylinder and which delimits at least one hydraulic working chamber, the piston and the cylinder being of non-round design in a plane orientated perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A steering lock device includes a lock member (7, 8) that is slidable between a locking position P1 and an unlocking position P2 and biased from the locking position P1 to the unlocking position P2 by a biasing member (76), and a sliding member (6) arranged slidably in a direction perpendicular to a sliding direction of the lock member (7, 8). At least any one of the lock member (7, 8) and the sliding member (6) includes a displacement portion (64c) inclined along the sliding direction of the sliding member (6) and toward a steering shaft. The lock member (7, 8) is displaced in conformity to inclination of the displacement portion (64c) in conjunction with slide of the sliding member (6).

Abstract: A pedal assembly using a non-contacting position sensor utilizing a spring-biased roller on a cam surface to simulate the feel of a conventional brake pedal is provided. The pedal assembly includes an elongated brake support bracket having a cam surface and a pedal arm having a spring-biased roller. A spring-biased roller assembly is mounted to an inward side or beside the pedal arm or on both sides of the pedal arm. The roller assembly includes a fixed leg extending on from an inner side of the pedal arm and a movable leg which is pivotally mounted to the pedal arm. A biasing member extends over the support between the fixed leg and movable leg to generate a biasing force against the roller. When the pedal is depressed, the roller is moved along the cam surface of the support bracket thereby creating the ‘feel’ of a traditional pedal assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a retainer for assisting in installation of a parking brake actuator for use in a vehicle by limiting relative movement of an input lever and a mounting bracket. The retainer has a first part and a second part connected via frangible connection(s). The first part of the retainer is fixed relative to a mounting bracket and the second part is fixed relative to the input lever (via a pivot member). After installation, the lever is moved from its first, installation position to a second, in-use position. The application of force and movement of the lever rotates the pivot member, which rotates the second part of the retainer relative to the first part thereby breaking the frangible connection(s). The input lever of the brake actuator is then ready for use to apply or release brakes of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering wheel system can comprise: an armature comprising a rim comprising a plastic core, a covering between the plastic core and the protective outer layer, and a thermal management provision; a hub with a bush; and a spoke connecting the rim to the hub. A method for making a thermal management steering wheel can comprise: forming a plastic rim with a core having a channel with ribs, wherein during use, the ribs induce a change in direction and a change in velocity of a fluid flow through the channel; laser direct structuring electrically conductive material onto the core; disposing a foam material around the core; and disposing a protective material around the foam material.

Abstract: A link fitting having bearing supports, an inner core and an outer band surrounding it all. Each bearing support includes a first stepped portion, a separate second stepped portion and a recess disposed between the first and second stepped portions. The inner core includes a central elongate layer, a first outer layer and a second outer layer. The first and second outer layers are disposed on opposed first and second sides of the central layer. The first outer layer engages the first side of the central layer and a portion of the first stepped portion on each of the two bearing supports. The second outer layer engaging the second side of the central layer and a portion of the second stepped portion on each of the two bearing supports. Opposed first and second ends of the central layer disposed within the recesses of each of the two bearing supports.

Abstract: Clutch arrangement for a motor vehicle drive train. The clutch arrangement has a first and a second clutch which are embodied as normally open clutches. The first clutch can be activated from an open position into a closed position by means of a first actuator arrangement. The second clutch can be activated from an open position into a closed position by means of a second actuator arrangement. The clutch arrangement has a locking device for locking a clutch in the closed position. Only the second clutch can be locked in the closed position by means of the locking device, while the first clutch cannot be locked in the closed position. Thus, the first actuator arrangement has to be supplied with energy in order to secure the first clutch in the closed position.

Abstract: A selectively corrodible powder compact that may be used to make the components of a selectively corrodible perforating system is disclosed. The selectively corrodible powder compact includes a cellular nanomatrix comprising a nanomatrix material. The selectively corrodible powder compact also includes a plurality of dispersed particles comprising a particle core material having a density of about 7.5 g/cm3 or more, dispersed in the cellular nanomatrix. The selectively corrodible powder compact further includes a bond layer extending throughout the cellular nanomatrix between the dispersed particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for preventing the adhesive of metallic iron and/or wustite (which is a material produced by the heat reduction of iron oxide contained in a powder derived from an agglomerate that comprises, as a raw material, a mixture containing a iron-oxide-containing substance and a carbonaceous reducing material) on a heath of a movable furnace heath type heating furnace without largely changing the design of a facility for the production, in the production of metallic iron by placing the agglomerate on the heath and heating the agglomerate in the heating furnace to reduce iron oxide contained in the agglomerate. A heath-forming material for preventing the cohesive of metallic iron and/or wustite (which is a material produced by the heat reduction of iron oxide contained in the powder derived from the agglomerate) on the heath is charged into the furnace together with the agglomerate.

Abstract: A method and system for producing an aluminum-silicon alloy are provided and include preheating silica to a predetermined temperature and combining aluminum with the preheated silica to melt the aluminum and produce an aluminum-silicon alloy.

Abstract: A method is described for obtaining purified 68Ga. The method comprises eluting 68Ga from a sorbent in and/or on which are sorbed 68Ga and 68Ge, so as to generate a crude 68Ga solution. The sorbent should have a higher affinity for 68Ge than for 68Ga. The crude 68Ga solution is then applied to a medium cation exchange resin, and the resin is eluted with an aqueous alcohol so as to retain the 68Ga on the resin and remove unwanted species from the resin. The resin is then eluted with an eluent, which may be an acidic solution, an alkaline solution or a solution of a species capable of complexing 68Ga ions, so as to obtain an eluate comprising purified 68Ga ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a razor blade sharpener, which is manually operated and by means of which razor blades can be sharpened as needed in an easy, controlled, and even manner in order to reduce razor blade consumption. The construction is designed in such a way that the lateral guides push the blades evenly onto a padded lining made of plastic or leather.

Abstract: A cable stripping device includes a mounting seat, a slice mechanism and a cutting mechanism. The slice mechanism is slidably mounted on the mounting seat and capable of slicing a dielectric material of a cable along a axial direction of the cable and dividing the cable into a plurality of strips. The cutting mechanism is mounted on the mounting seat adjacent to the slice mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes a pair of cutting members, the pair of cutting members are capable of moving toward each other to cut the plurality of strips along a radial direction of the cable to enable the plurality of strips separate from the cable.

Abstract: A power transmission for a slewing interface includes a rotor rotatable relative to a stator about a slewing axis, at least one drive sprocket mounted on the stator adjacent the rotor, a first drive cooperating with the at least one drive sprocket, at least two satellite sprockets on the rotor and spaced around the rotor, at least one drive belt mounted around the drive sprockets and around the satellite sprockets in driving engagement collectively therewith, power is delivered continuously from the first drive to at least one of the satellite sprockets at all times during rotation of the rotor about the slewing axis.

Abstract: A ratchet-action open-end wrench of the present invention has a simplified structure. Arc-shaped abutting surface and corresponding groove is dismissed from the present wrench. Thus, components of the wrench can be manufactured and fabricated easily, and specified producing process can be chosen for obtaining strengthened structure. In addition, cost of the wrench is abated, precision of the wrench is arisen, and lift-time of the wrench is prolonged.

Abstract: Various aspects may provide for an adjustable handle assembly for a hand-held tool. The assembly may comprise a guide track connectable to a hand-held tool. The guide track may be selectively connectable to the hand-held tool at a plurality of angular orientations. The guide track may extend around at least a portion of the hand-held tool. The assembly may comprise a handle assembly configured to slidingly associate with the guide track in such a way that the handle is slideably along the guide track when the handle is in an unlocked configuration and prevented from sliding along the guide track when the handle is in a locked configuration. The guide track may be sized and shaped to extend around a head of the hand-held tool.

Abstract: A tool handle includes a handle receiving a bit seat movable between a storage received in a compartment of the handle and an extended position partially outside of the handle. The bit seat includes a pivotable seat, a reciprocating member, a coupling seat, and an end cap. The reciprocating member includes a resilient arm abutting against an abutment wall of the pivotable base to constrain movement. The end cap includes a tongue extending through and engaged in a central hole of the coupling seat and a receiving hole of the reciprocating member. The end cap covers an opening of the compartment when the bit seat is in the storage position. The coupling seat receives screwdriver bits. The coupling seat is located outside of the compartment when the bit seat is in the extended position.

Abstract: A powered threading machine is described. The threading machine is compact and portable. The threading machine includes a tube frame having a rearward wheel assembly and an extendable handle at the front of the machine. A particular sump configuration is used to prevent loss of cutting oil during operation and transport of the machine.

Abstract: A safety cutting device for use in removing portions of an article from an injured person comprises a housing body and a blade, moveably coupled to the housing body. The blade has at least a spine and a cutting edge. The housing body includes an opening formed therein in which at least a portion of the blade can be stored when not in use. A safety guard is coupled to or formed integrally with a portion of the edge of the blade, the safety guard having a substantially smooth outer edge and being sized and shaped to allow the spine of the blade to safely slide along a body part of an injured person's body while restricting the cutting edge of the blade from contacting the injured person's body.

Abstract: A stamping and/or nibbling machine, with a Z-axis drive for driving a tool, which is movable in the vertical direction and can be held by a tool holder, for the machining of sheet metal workpieces, with a first CNC control unit for actuating the Z-axis drive, wherein the first CNC control unit provides an interface for a data channel to a primary control unit or to a second CNC control unit of an X/Y-axis drive for moving the sheet metal workpieces relative to the tool in horizontal directions (X, Y), wherein the tool holder, during a vertical movement during the machining of sheet metal workpieces, is rotatable around its vertical longitudinal axis by a C-drive which is actuated by the second CNC control unit, as a result of which an angle sensor is provided for detecting the angle information of the C-drive and the first CNC control unit is designed in such a way that from the angle information it determines a Z-setpoint value as a reference variable of the Z-axis drive.

Abstract: A tile saw includes a base, a frame assembly disposed on the base, a first rail disposed on the frame assembly, the first rail having a longitudinal axis, a table slidingly disposed on the first rail, a support assembly disposed on the base, a saw assembly supported by the support assembly, the saw assembly comprising a motor, a cutting wheel driven by the motor, the saw assembly being pivotable about a horizontal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a switch electrically connected to the motor and disposed on the support assembly so that, when the motor assembly is pivoted about the horizontal axis, the switch remains stationary.

Abstract: A tile saw includes a base, a frame assembly disposed on the base, a first rail disposed on the frame assembly, the first rail having a longitudinal axis, a table slidingly disposed on the first rail, a support assembly disposed on the base, a saw assembly supported by the support assembly, the saw assembly comprising a motor, a cutting wheel driven by the motor, the saw assembly being pivotable about a horizontal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a switch electrically connected to the motor and disposed on the support assembly so that, when the motor assembly is pivoted about the horizontal axis, the switch remains stationary.

Abstract: A tile saw includes a base, a frame assembly disposed on the base, a first rail disposed on the frame assembly, the first rail having a longitudinal axis, a table slidingly disposed on the first rail, a support assembly disposed on the base, a saw assembly supported by the support assembly, the saw assembly comprising a motor, a cutting wheel driven by the motor, the saw assembly being pivotable about a horizontal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a switch electrically connected to the motor and disposed on the support assembly so that, when the motor assembly is pivoted about the horizontal axis, the switch remains stationary.

Abstract: A slicer comprising a power base and a removable food support assembly. The food support assembly comprises a support base, a product tray, product tray slides, a bearing assembly, an adjustable plate, a gauge plate adjuster, and a blade. The power base comprises individual supports, a switch unit, a power cable, and a drive motor assembly having a blade drive coupling system. After setting the adjustable plate to the desired thickness using the gauge plate adjuster, the user switches the switch unit to the “on” position to initiate the drive motor assembly, which rotates the blade drive coupling system and, in turn, causes the blade to turn and slice the food product. Once the food product has been sliced, the removable food support assembly is removed from the power base and immersed in water or inserted into a dishwasher for faster, safer, more efficient, and more sanitary cleaning.

Abstract: A tile saw includes a base, a frame assembly disposed on the base, a first rail disposed on the frame assembly, the first rail having a longitudinal axis, a table slidingly disposed on the first rail, a support assembly disposed on the base, a saw assembly supported by the support assembly, the saw assembly comprising a motor, a cutting wheel driven by the motor, the saw assembly being pivotable about a horizontal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a switch electrically connected to the motor and disposed on the support assembly so that, when the motor assembly is pivoted about the horizontal axis, the switch remains stationary.

Abstract: A tile saw includes a base, a frame assembly disposed on the base, a first rail disposed on the frame assembly, the first rail having a longitudinal axis, a table slidingly disposed on the first rail, a support assembly disposed on the base, a saw assembly supported by the support assembly, the saw assembly comprising a motor, a cutting wheel driven by the motor, the saw assembly being pivotable about a horizontal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a switch electrically connected to the motor and disposed on the support assembly so that, when the motor assembly is pivoted about the horizontal axis, the switch remains stationary.

Abstract: A tile saw includes a base, a frame assembly disposed on the base, a first rail disposed on the frame assembly, the first rail having a longitudinal axis, a table slidingly disposed on the first rail, a support assembly disposed on the base, a saw assembly supported by the support assembly, the saw assembly comprising a motor, a cutting wheel driven by the motor, the saw assembly being pivotable about a horizontal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a switch electrically connected to the motor and disposed on the support assembly so that, when the motor assembly is pivoted about the horizontal axis, the switch remains stationary.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus for connection to a miter saw includes a shaft and a carriage assembly. The shaft is configured for connection to the miter saw. The carriage assembly is slidably coupled to the shaft. The carriage assembly includes a carriage body, a first clamp assembly, and a second clamp assembly. The first clamp assembly is configured for movement relative to the carriage body between a first clamp position and a second clamp position. The first clamp assembly is further configured (i) to enable movement of the carriage body relative to the shaft when the first clamp assembly is in the first clamp position and (ii) to prevent movement of the carriage body relative to the shaft when the first clamp assembly is in the second clamp position. The second clamp assembly is configured for movement relative to the carriage body between a third clamp position and a fourth clamp position.

Abstract: A miter saw includes a base, a turntable, a support assembly, and a cutting arm. The turntable is rotatably connected to the base, and the support assembly fixedly extends from the turntable. The cutting arm is pivotally connected to the support assembly. The miter saw further includes an arbor assembly, a gear assembly, a first belt member, and a second belt member. The arbor assembly is rotatably supported by the cutting arm. The gear assembly is supported by the cutting arm and positioned outside of a nominal blade space of the miter saw. The first belt member is operatively connected to the arbor assembly and the gear assembly. The second belt member is operatively connected to the gear assembly and to a motor shaft.

Abstract: A tool retention device of a machine tool includes a tool receiving member, at least one tool abutment, an axial tensioning device, and a radial clamping device. The tool receiving member serves to at least partially receive a processing tool. At least one axial tensioning element of the axial tensioning device pulls the processing tool against an associated tool abutment along a direction of a tensioning axis. While the radial clamping device is decoupled therefrom, the radial clamping device clamps the processing tool by at least one radial clamping element in a direction perpendicular to the tensioning axis of the axial tensioning device. A machine tool may also be provided with the tool retention device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a violin of acoustic configuration, which is different from the classic violin and a manufacturing method thereof. The violin of acoustic configuration is produced according to the rules of acoustic regularity, standard pitch data and uniform orderly reflecting surface of the violin cavity. The reflecting surface of cavity is depended on the international standard pitch data and the rule of acoustic wavelength changing. According to the configuration rules, the violin made of normal materials and technology process condition may provide better volume and tone, and provide much better performance in the standard pitch playing status.

Abstract: A string-doubling apparatus and a face-mounted whammy bar system for stringed instruments are disclosed. A string-doubling apparatus may include a bridge portion and a nut assembly, both with multiple bearing surfaces to facilitate a double stringing of the instrument. A face-mounted whammy bar system may include a lever arm and a rotatable rod for manually and reversibly altering the string tension of an instrument.

Abstract: A capo device comprising: a substantially planar plate member having a string contacting material provided at a first face of the plate member; a strap extending from one end of the plate member for winding around the neck of an instrument in a first winding direction; a retaining member provided at the plate member and adapted to slidably retain the strap such that a portion of the strap can be doubled back in a second and opposing winding direction; and means for releasably fixing the doubled back portion of the strap.

Abstract: A musical drum comprising a drum shell made of wood staves is provided. The drum shell has cutout sections which are positioned so as to achieve desired acoustical properties for the drum. The cutout portions of the drum shell can also be filled with other materials to further modify the acoustical properties of the drum and lighting can be provided in the interior of the drum allowing light to be passed through the cutout portions of the shell. The light passing through the cutout portions of the drum can be excited by the conditions of play.

Abstract: We describe a musical effect device comprising drive electronics to drive a first tuned resonant circuit at a resonant frequency, a moveable mechanical control associated with a second, passive tuned resonant circuit and read-out electronics coupled to the first tuned resonant circuit to sense a position of the control. A first frequency of resonance of the first tuned resonant circuit matches a second frequency of resonance of the second, passive tuned circuit, and the first and second frequency resonance match a resonant frequency of the drive signal. The first tuned resonant circuit has an input coupled to the drive electronics, an output coupled to the read-out electronics and a resonant LC circuit coupled in series between the input and output. The variable output signal is dependent on an amplitude of a signal at the output of the first tuned resonant circuit.

Abstract: A terrain disruption device includes an air or gas flow generation device mounted on a remote operated vehicle having an extendible arm, wherein the air or gas flow generation device includes an elongate (optionally detachable) ducting arrangement to direct the air or gas flow and an optional nozzle. The air or gas flow generation device and/or the elongate ducting arrangement may be mounted on the extendible arm. Preferably, the air or gas flow generation device is powered by a fan, more preferably an electric ducted fan.