Abstract: The present invention is a bridge truss that alleviates tensile and compressive stresses applied to an acoustic stringed instruments soundboard from the bridge. These tensile and compressive stresses are transferred through the bridge truss to chamber of the acoustic stringed instrument instead. The bridge truss allows the support brace of the acoustic stringed instrument to be reduced or eliminated. The bridge truss provides the soundboard with the ability to produce longer sustained vibrations, and vibrations of greater amplitude—increasing performance and tone. Also, the relative height of the soundboard can be altered for greater playability, at a user's discretion. A user only needs to reposition threaded adjustment rods from atop the bridge of the acoustic stringed instrument in order to transfer more or less stress to the bridge truss.

Abstract: A steplessly adjustable cymbal locating device includes a housing having a first receiving space and a notch; a rotating mechanism having a second receiving space and being clamped in the first receiving space with the housing vertically rotatable relative to the rotating mechanism; a rotating pole partially clamped in the second receiving space with the rotating mechanism horizontally rotatable relative thereto; a fixed pole fixedly assembled to one side of the housing; and an adjustable locking subassembly extended into the housing and the rotating mechanism for selectively pressing the housing, the rotating mechanism and the rotating pole against one another to an immovably state or loosening them from one another to allow stepless adjustment of the locating device in two axis directions. Thus, a cymbal mounted on either the rotating or the fixed pole can be adjusted to any horizontal orientation and vertical angle according to a user's need.

Abstract: A quick-release cymbal felt locating device includes a base internally defining a cavity having a front opening, and provided with a first insert hole vertically extended through the cavity and a second insert hole horizontally extended through the cavity; a movable clamping element extending into the cavity via the front opening thereof, and provided with a first communicating hole corresponding to the first insert hole and a second communicating hole corresponding to the second insert hole; and a safety pin transversely extended through the second insert hole and the second communicating hole for restricting or allowing displacement of the movable clamping element relative to the safety pin and the cavity. The first communicating hole and the first insert hole together form a clamping mechanism, with which a user can quickly assemble or disassemble the quick-release cymbal felt locating device to or from a cymbal pole.

Abstract: A musical electronic device to receive a wireless signal modulated with an audio signal originating from a musical instrument, to display useful information for tuning the instrument, and to provide the received audio signal as an output for other musical electronics.

Abstract: A musical performance apparatus has a waveform memory WM in which sample values indicative of waveforms of a plurality of tones are stored so that the sampling periods correspond to addresses. The musical performance apparatus also has a tone generation circuit 15 which can repeatedly reproduce a section of the tone. A loop top address and loop end address corresponding to the top and end of the section of the first tone, respectively, are designated. When a reading address for reading the sample values of the first tone has reached a certain address, the tone generation circuit 15 changes the designated loop top address and the loop end address to addresses corresponding to the top and end of the section of the second tone so that the reproduction of the section of the second tone will start at a position which is situated in the section of the second tone and corresponds to the certain address.

Abstract: The musical performance apparatus has a ROM 17c which stores sample values obtained by sampling a plurality of tones corresponding to a plurality of digital signals each having a different bit pattern so that the sample values of waveforms of the tones will correspond to sampling periods. In the ROM 17c, the sample values are stored in association with addresses. The musical performance apparatus also has a computer portion 17 and a tone generation circuit 15 which select one or more tones from the plurality of tones in accordance with musical score data SD formed of a plurality of bits, read out waveform data indicative of the selected tones from the ROM 17c, and reproduce the selected tones. The plurality of tones are formed of frequency components included in a certain high frequency band.

Abstract: The waveform data generating apparatus has a waveform data generating circuit WP which inputs a digital signal formed of a plurality of bits which form a control signal for controlling an external apparatus, and generates waveform data indicative of a waveform of a control tone which corresponds to the input digital signal, is formed of tones corresponding to respective values of the bits of the input digital signal, and is formed of frequency components included in a certain high frequency band. The waveform data generating circuit WP has a basic waveform data extraction portion WP7 which extracts a part or a whole of the intermediate portion which is situated at an intermediate portion of the waveform data, and corresponds to the intermediate portion of the digital signal whose bit pattern coincides with a certain bit pattern as basic waveform data.

Abstract: An ergonomic, portable, electronic, string-like instrument that utilizes a pseudo-string interface. The pseudo-string interface is tactile for sightless playability and capable of advanced input such as force and pressure sensitivity. The pseudo-strings function to select a note, trigger a selected note, select and play a note on the instrument or an external peripheral. The instrument is played using the techniques of multiple other stringed instruments and the ergonomics allow the user to hold and handle the device consistent with traditional and non-traditional playing techniques familiar to musicians of various instruments. It is internally or externally powered and connects directly to industry-standard musical hardware such as MIDI devices, amplifiers and multi-track recorders.

Abstract: A musical performance apparatus is provided with a tone generation circuit 15 and a sound system 16 for emitting musical tones of musical instruments and control tones corresponding to musical score data SD which controls a musical score display apparatus 20. The tone generation circuit 15 has a tone volume adjustment circuit 15a3 which changes tone volume of only the musical tones in accordance with player's instruction and maintains tone volume of the control tones at a certain tone volume. The tone generation circuit 15 also has a pan adjustment circuit 15a4 which localizes the control tones so that the control tones will be emitted only from a certain speaker. Furthermore, the musical performance apparatus is designed such that the control tones are formed only of frequency components included in a certain high frequency band.

Abstract: A rope structure contains first and second sets of fibers. The first set of fibers is twisted together. The second set of fibers is twisted around the first set of fibers to form yarns. The first set of fibers is formed of a first material, the second set of fibers is formed of a second material, and elongation of the first set of fibers is different from elongation of the second set of fibers. Twists applied to the first and second fibers are such that loads on the rope structure are substantially evenly distributed across individual fibers. The yarns are combined to form strands in the form of a 3-strand rope. The strands are combined using a single braid process to form the rope structure defining a void space. The rope structure is formed such that lengths of fibers in the first and second sets are approximately the same.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved mine resistant ambush protected vehicle. The apparatus of the present invention features the use of a plurality of armored pods positioned on an armored frame. These pods are large enough to accommodate one crew member each and are spaced far enough apart from each other to allow the energy impulse and overpressure created from an IED attack to pass in between the pods. These armored pods also provide an improved method of defense against RPG attacks for if one pod is hit by a RPG, the other pods have a high probability of surviving that attack.

Abstract: A gas regulator for a rifle is provided, the gas regulator having: an elongated member having a first end and a second end; a head portion located at the first end; a pair of openings passing through the elongated member, wherein one of the pair of openings is larger than the other one of the pair of openings; and a recessed area located at the second end.

Abstract: A hydraulic shifting device for an automatic transmission for engaging and disengaging a parking lock. The shifting device comprises a parking lock cylinder (203) for actuating the parking lock, and a parking lock valve (201) which, for hydraulic control of the parking lock cylinder (203), can be switched to at least first and second shift positions. In this case the hydraulic shifting device comprises a further parking lock valve (202), and the two parking lock valves (201, 202) and the parking lock cylinder (203) are designed and connected with one another in such manner that the parking lock can only be disengaged by pressurizing the parking lock cylinder (203) if the two parking lock valves (201, 202) are each switched to a particular shift position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a neutral setting apparatus for adjustable hydraulic machines, in particular the adjustment of the neutral position of a servo valve. In particular, the invention relates to servo adjustment devices with mechanically adjustable control pistons, wherein the forces necessary for this can be applied mechanically, electro-magnetically, pneumatically or hydraulically. The invention relates to a neutral setting apparatus of an adjustable hydraulic machine, with a housing in which a mounted input shaft is arranged, to one end of which a torque can be applied for rotating the input shaft about an axis. Thus providing a robust and cost-effective setting mechanism for the neutral position of a servo valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a swash plate, for a swash plate compressor, which is excellent in a resistance to the occurrence of seizing in a condition where an extreme pressure is generated owing to local contact between the swash plate and a shoe which slides thereon and in a condition where lubricating oil is depleted, capable of preventing cavitation-caused erosion of a resin film when the swash plate is operated at a high surface pressure and a high speed in the presence of the lubricating oil and the swash plate compressor having the swash plate.

Abstract: A system for storing potential energy includes a hydraulic cylinder, a mass to be lifted, and a sealing ring at the edge of the mass to be lifted. The mass to be lifted is a solid rock mass in the form of a cut-out solid rock. The hydraulic cylinder is formed by the cavity between surrounding rocks and the cut-out solid rock. The cavity is sealed with respect to the surrounding rocks by the sealing ring. A method for producing such a system is also provided.

Abstract: A piston ring has a body member for sitting in a ring groove of a piston. The body member has an inner periphery, upper wall, lower wall and an outer periphery. The outer periphery has a concavity therein for storing lubricant therein. The upper wall has an outer section proximate to the outer periphery is constructed to be resiliently flexible between a flexed and unflexed position such during a portion of a power stroke, the volume of the concavity to store the lubricant is decreased by the flexing of the upper wall to the flexed position for expelling lubricant therefrom to a wall of the cylinder. The wall resiliently returns to the unflexed position during other times to allow excess lubricant from the wall of the cylinder to pass into the concavity.

Abstract: A cylinder length sensor mounting and retaining assembly for a hydraulic cylinder includes a casing attachable to a blind end of the cylinder, a sensor retention cap affixable to the casing adjacent the blind end of the cylinder, and a locking pin extendable through the casing and positioned adjacent the sensor retention cap. The assembly facilitates sensor removal without requiring disassembly of the cylinder.

Abstract: A piston assembly including a piston body pivotally connected to a connecting rod by a wrist pin. The wrist pin includes a sealed cavity therein partially filled with a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium may be composed of a fusible alloy. The sealed cavity may be comprised of discrete compartments. The wrist pin may be integrated with the connecting rod and share a conjoined sealed cavity therewith so that heat transfer medium can draw heat effectively away from the piston body.

Abstract: A method for indirectly monitoring and controlling an electrically resistive adsorption system. Adsorption of a predetermined adsorbate is conducted while indirectly monitoring electrical resistance of a unified adsorbent element. Breakthrough is predicted based upon the indirectly monitored electrical resistance and a previously measured mass loading relationship between the resistance of the unified adsorbent element and the loading of the unified resistance element with the predetermined adsorbate. Adsorption, regeneration and cooling cycles are controlled by a controller without any direct measurement of temperature or resistance of the element and characterizations of mass loading and temperature. Systems of the invention can have no sensors that contact the element, are in an adsorption vessel, and/or are downstream adsorption vessel.

Abstract: An energy recovery ventilator system includes a belt partially located in each of a first chamber and a second chamber. First and second desiccant units are positioned on the belt. At least some of the first desiccant units are in the first chamber at a first relative humidity, causing air received in the first chamber to achieve a first air humidity. At least some of the second desiccant units are in the second chamber at a second relative humidity, the second relative humidity being caused by the air received in the first chamber. The second relative humidity is modified to the first relative humidity by air passing through the second chamber, the air achieving a second air humidity. A controller causes the belt to move second desiccant units from the second chamber to the first chamber when the first air humidity fails to comply with a specific air humidity.

Abstract: A method for separation of isotopes includes vaporizing a sample having two or more isotopes of the same element. A stream of atoms is generated from the vaporized sample. One or more light waves are applied to the stream. The one or more light waves are tuned to convert one or more specific isotopes in the flowing stream to a set of one or more magnetic states. A magnetic field is applied to the stream, deflecting atoms in the stream based on their magnetic states. Isotopes are collected based on their deflections (or lack of deflection).

Abstract: A method for filtration of harmful gas effluents from an industrial installation including the steps of providing a gas effluent from an industrial installation, the gas effluent including a mixture of gases; filtering the harmful, elements from the gas effluent by membrane separation through a plurality of membranes, the membrane separation being achieved by sifting, sorption and/or diffusion, each membrane being adapted for filtering a specific harmful element; sorting the filtered harmful elements and storing them in separate storage reservoirs, and discharging the processed gas effluent to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A thermal energy recovery and humidity control system includes a rotating member including a desiccant material located to rotate across a supply air stream and a return airstream. A variable-speed drive element is operably connected to the rotating member to change a rotational speed of the rotating member to allow for switching between thermal energy recovery operation and humidity control operation of the system. A method of climate control includes rotating a desiccant member across both a supply air stream and a return airstream of a climate control system. The desiccant member is rotated at a first rotational speed to transfer thermal energy from the supply air stream to the return air stream. The desiccant member is rotated at a second rotational speed different than the first rotational speed to reduce humidity of the supply air stream.

Abstract: The invention is directed to decreasing the amount of particulate material suspended in air or water, in any situation in which it is desired to decrease the amount of particulate material in suspension, and especially in industrial processes that generate particulate material suspended in air or water. In particular, the invention is directed to decreasing the particulate material in suspension by means of agglomeration with negatively charged ExoPolySaccharides (EPS). To decrease the amount of particulate material suspended in air, this can be sprayed with a negatively charged EPS solution according to the invention, or the EPS can be immobilized on a filter which the air with particulate material passes through. To decrease the amount of particulate material in water, a suspension with a negatively charged EPS solution according to the invention is added to said water, which agglomerates and settles the particulate material by means of the charge attraction principle.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a gas permeable wall for preventing dirt present in a gas flow from passing through the gas permeable wall with the gas flow. In order to minimize maintenance, the gas permeable wall is a circumferential wall of a cover, and an outlet from the cover is provided for passing on gas having entered the cover through the circumferential gas permeable wall. A support is provided for attaching the cover rotatably to a device, and a drive unit is provided for rotating the cover.

Abstract: A waterproof and salt repellant media for use in a gas turbine intake filter is provided. The media includes a first composite material layer having a polypropylene melt-blown layer and a polypropylene spun-bond layer, and a second composite material layer having a polyester spun-bond material coated with PTFE.

Abstract: A membrane for a method for filtration of gas effluents from an industrial installation including a wall having an internal surface and an external surface, the wall having pores of variable dimensions in the radial direction and in the longitudinal direction of the wall.

Abstract: A collimator fixed to the cold jet nozzle of a modulator of a two-dimensional gas chromatograph to aid in the alignment of the cold jet nozzle and loop modulator tube.

Abstract: This invention relates to the utilization of regenerable water tolerant solid materials for the abatements of CO2 emissions from internal combustion engine exhaust streams through repetitive sorption/desorption cycles. The system, which is designed to be used in a gasoline, lean gasoline, diesel passenger car, diesel truck, stationary engine with 50 Hz or 60 Hz electrical frequency, or a SOFC, will contain a solid sorbent which contains zirconium and will be able to reduce on board the average carbon emissions by up to 10 wt %. The preferred materials have been selected from the class of hydrotalcite type compounds and/or earth and alkaline earth zirconates.

Abstract: An air filter unit, including a filter medium held on reels, a drive mechanism for automatic filter reeling, having a filter medium in the form of an exchangeable filter element inserted in a recess in the air filter unit; the filter element comprising a housing featuring two parallel shafts located at opposite sides of the frame; the shafts being located at a distance from each other that allows for the taut positioning of the effective filter area between them; whereby at least one of the shafts is detachably connected to at least one force transfer element attached to an electric drive installed in the air filter unit and driven by an electric drive; including an exchangeable air freshener cartridge placed inside or to the side of the air filter unit, releasing air freshener to the filter medium through at least one valve.

Abstract: A microbicidal filter for treating air, includes including, in the allocated direction of flow of the air stream capable of passing therethrough, a filtration layer and a HEPA filter. The filtration layer contains a bactericidal and/or fungicidal agent, and the HEPA filter is pleated while being applied against a second pleated filtration layer that is arranged downstream, so as to prevent the mutual contacting of its pleats. The combination of the action of the impregnated layer and of the HEPA filter inhibits or kills by contact all the living particles that penetrate into the microbicidal filter. The HEPA filter is held in stable application in the pleated shape thereof against the second filtration layer, so that filtering performance deteriorates only gradually.

Abstract: Improvements in a filter where the filter self-expands based upon increased pressure or vacuum in the filtering stream. The expandable filter is adaptable to filtering a wide variety of media including air used in HVAC units, gases that are used to filter impurities out of gases and for industrial applications. The expandable filter to maintain a constant pressure or vacuum in the plenum or filter. The filter self-expands as the pressure or vacuum increases and pushes, pulls or draws the filter into an elongated or heightened configuration. As the filter expands new filter material is exposed that was not previously exposed for filtering. Expansion doubles, triples, or further increases the filter collection surface area. The filter does not rely upon gravity and expands based upon the increase of pressure or vacuum in the plenum the filter can be arranged in a vertical or horizontal orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is a beverage brewing apparatus for an aircraft galley that includes a stow away platen to support a coffee cup or mug during brewing and that can be withdrawn when not in use to eliminate the intrusion of space in the galley if the platen were not stowable. The platen can operate like a pull out drawer, extending from its designated cavity when needed and pushed back into a withdrawn position when finished.

Abstract: System for preparing drinks from a capsule comprising: a capsule (1) including a body comprising an injection face and an extraction face with an opening and terminating in a collar (5) and a portion for delivery of the drink; the collar terminating in a free edge (8); a device for preparing drinks comprising: a first chamber portion (14) comprising a cavity of a shape suitable for substantially covering the body of the capsule and a clamping surface (23) which is engaged in compression against the collar, and a second chamber portion comprising an extraction plate, at least one of the two chamber portions being able to move relative to the other chamber portion from an open position in which the capsule is inserted to a closed position in which the capsule is enclosed between the two chamber portions, the first chamber portion (14) comprising means (32, 38) for hooking the capsule making it possible to keep the capsule in the said cavity of the said first portion during the transition from the closed positio

Abstract: An apparatus for producing brewed beverages, having a brewing unit which has a brewing chamber, into which a capsule can be introduced through an introduction shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides for measuring the air flow in an appliance. An air flow measuring device, such as a vane (aka turbine) anemometer, is placed directly into an air flow passageway and provides a signal indicative of the amount of air flow. This signal can be used e.g., to undertake a remedial response in the event the amount of air flow is not sufficient to provide proper cooling or ventilation of the appliance.

Abstract: A cooking appliance (2,20) comprises a first container (8, 26), a base (6, 44), an axle (10, 42) extending generally vertically from a bottom of the first container (8, 26), and a second container (12, 32) including a vertically extending funnel (34) which is engageable with a male member (46) arranged at an upper end of the axle (10, 42). The cooking appliance (2, 20) can assume a configuration in which the second container (12, 32) is rotatably drivenable by the male member (46) in relation to the first container (8, 26), to remove liquid from food contained in the second container (12, 32).

Abstract: A butter making appliance adapted and configured for countertop operation includes a churning vessel having an open end through which cream may be introduced and butter may be withdrawn, the open end having a lid removably mountable thereto, the churning vessel being removably mountable to a motor-driven reciprocating drive housed within a housing, the drive being adapted and configured to drive the churning vessel in reciprocal motion, whereby the reciprocal motion of the churning vessel agitates cream contained therein causing it to convert to butter. Alternate embodiments include means for introducing at least one dwell period in each cycle of reciprocating motion to increase cream-to-butter conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A stamping machine includes a platen press which has a fixed platen and an opposing moving platen effecting a reciprocating movement imparted by articulated members forming toggle joints. Each articulated member forming a toggle joint including a connecting member which collaborates with a respective cam borne by a camshaft.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a laminar male die of the interchangeable type, for printing Braille characters on yielding supports. The method includes the step of punching the metal foil that forms the body of the male die to obtain a plurality of first points in relief on a first face of the foil. The first points define one or more characters in Braille alphabet. The method further includes punching the metal foil to obtain at least two second points in relief on the other side of the foil; the second points in relief are aligned with corresponding receiving seats of an outer male die-holding support. A male die obtained by the method and the respective manufacturing apparatus are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scraper device for a printing machine which comprises a scraper body (20) having longitudinal blades (2) and lateral sealing elements, and having ink inlet and outlet passages (24). The scraper body (20) is supported by a scraper support (10) adjacent to an inking roller of a printing machine, and having ink supply and discharge passages (11) connected to respective ink supply and discharge conduits of an ink circulation device. Positioning and fixing means allow fixing the scraper body (20) to the scraper support (10) in an operating position in which openings (24a) of said ink inlet and outlet passages (24) of the scraper body (20) are in fluid communication with openings (11a) of said ink supply and discharge passages (11) of the scraper support (10).

Abstract: A guiding device 10 for guiding at least one stamping foil 410 at the inlet to a platen press 310. The guiding device 10 includes a diverting member 20 which is mounted with the ability to move between a work position in which the diverting member 20 is able to direct each stamping foil 410 into the platen press 310 in a given feed plane, and a maintenance position in which the diverting member 20 is placed in a space directly accessible to a user.

Abstract: A cylindrical can decorator inker assembly having a non-oscillating first transfer roll, a non-oscillating second transfer roll and a non-oscillating third transfer roll, and further having axially oscillating distributor and ghost chaser rolls to prevent ghosting on the decorated cans. The inker assembly preferably has an improved oscillator drive assembly, oscillating roll structure, transfer roll structure and inker assembly mount.

Abstract: An all-fire detection circuit for an electrically initiated inertial igniter munition. The all-fire detection circuit including: an input configured for receiving an input voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; an electrical storage device configured to receive a portion of the input voltage over the duration and to thereby accumulate a charge, an output coupled to the electrical storage device to deliver an all-fire indication when at least a portion of the charge exceeds a first predetermined voltage; and a first diode having a first anode coupled to the input and a first cathode coupled to the electrical storage device, the first diode selected to have a backward leakage draining the charge when the input voltage drops below a second predetermined voltage.

Abstract: Connection cables for separable firing unit assemblies comprise a first mating connector at a first end and a second mating connector at a second, opposing end. A stripline cable electrically connects the first mating connector to the second mating connector. Separable firing unit assemblies comprise an initiation device. An electronics assembly is configured to transmit a firing pulse to the initiation device. One of a first mating connector and a second mating connector is coupled to the initiation device and the other of the first mating connector and the second mating connector is coupled to the electronics assembly. A second housing of the second mating connector is configured to receive a portion of a first housing of the first mating connector therein.

Abstract: An all-fire detection circuit for an electrically initiated inertial igniter munition. The all-fire detection circuitry including: an input configured for receiving an input voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; an electrical storage device configured to receive a portion of the input voltage over the duration and to thereby accumulate a charge, an output coupled to the electrical storage device; a first diode having a first anode coupled to the input and a first cathode coupled to the electrical storage device; and a comparator configured to compare a voltage at the output and a reference voltage and to produce a result based on the comparison.

Abstract: Inductrack III configurations are suited for use in transporting heavy freight loads. Inductrack III addresses a problem associated with the cantilevered track of the Inductrack II configuration. The use of a cantilevered track could present mechanical design problems in attempting to achieve a strong enough track system such that it would be capable of supporting very heavy loads. In Inductrack III, the levitating portion of the track can be supported uniformly from below, as the levitating Halbach array used on the moving vehicle is a single-sided one, thus does not require the cantilevered track as employed in Inductrack II.

Abstract: A binder comprising a polymeric binder comprising the products of a carbohydrate reactant and organic acid is disclosed. The binder is useful for consolidating loosely assembled matter, such as fibers. Fibrous products comprising fibers in contact with a carbohydrate reactant and an organic acid are also disclosed. The binder composition may be cured to yield a fibrous product comprising fibers bound by a cross-linked polymer. Further disclosed are methods for binding fibers with the carbohydrate based binder using an organic acid.

Abstract: Road material compositions, systems for uses and methods of making are provided in which the road material includes an asphaltene mixture. The asphaltene mixture generally includes at least one of the following: a surfactant, peptizer, stabilizer and light end hydrocarbons. The asphaltene mixture is combined with waste cuttings from a drill site and an aggregate to form a road-based material. The road-based material, thus, re-uses drill cuttings waste avoiding its disposal and the high costs associated with disposal. The road-based material is suitable for high and low traffic roads, oil roads, black top, as a patch mix and as a road base. The asphaltene mixture and the road-based material when formed are capable of immediate use as well as long-term storage. The asphaltene mixture and road-based material may both be readily modified for small and large scale production.