Abstract: Bearing and shaft assemblies include a shaft with at least one depressed region. A first one-way bearing can be positioned on the shaft in a manner such that the first one-way bearing facilitates clockwise rotation and resists counterclockwise rotation. A second one-way bearing can be positioned on the shaft in a manner such that the second one-way bearing facilitates rotation in the second direction and resists rotation in the first direction. The first one-way bearing and the second one-way bearing can be displaced axially along the shaft so the first one-way bearing, the second one-way bearing, or both one-way bearings is/are positioned around the one or more depressed regions of the shaft to facilitate rotation in one direction, both directions or neither direction, as described herein. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

Abstract: A tuning apparatus for a musical instrument is provided. The instrument includes a neck having a front surface over which a plurality of strings is stretched. The apparatus includes a clamp and a plurality of string-contacting members. The clamp is adapted to removably attach to a desired longitudinal position on the neck. Each of the members is rotatably supported by the clamp and is adapted to rotate on the clamp independently of the other members, this rotation occurring along a plane which is substantially parallel to either a given string or course of strings. Each of the members is further adapted to adjustably impinge upon and urge the given string or course of strings toward a user-selectable one of three different longitudinal positions on the front surface, these positions including a home position, a home?1 position, and a home+1 position.

Abstract: Generally disclosed is a capo and related methods of use. Operably, the capo may be secured to the neck of stringed musical instruments to barre its strings. Suitably, the capo may (1) generally feature a replaceable and adjustable strap, (2) be configured for quick relocation among the frets of a stringed musical instrument with a tapering neck, and (3) be configured for quick adjustment of the pressure applied to strings barred thereby.

Abstract: A guitar slide has a core that consists essentially of a metal composition which is susceptible to the formation of nitrides and carbides of the metal composition upon proper exposure to carbon and nitrogen. A diffusion layer circumscribes the core and consists essentially of nitrides and carbides of the metal composition. A compound layer circumscribes the diffusion layer and consists essentially of the metal composition, nitrogen, and oxygen. In one physical embodiment, the guitar slide includes a generally tubular body having a conical outer surface tapering downward from a first open finger receiving end to a second smaller end. The outer surface and the inner surface are both preferably conical. In another physical embodiment, the guitar slide is provided with a domed end. Other physical embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adapter piece (28) for fixing a shoulder rest (30) on a string instrument, having an adapter body (38) provided with at least four clamping fingers (32) engageable with a peripheral bottom edge (12) of the string instrument to be supported, shall keep the tonal impairment of the instrument particularly low, offering, at the same time, a high stability. For this purpose, at least two of the clamping fingers (32) are positioned such that they are engageable with the peripheral bottom edge (12) in the area of the outer blocks (20) of the string instrument.

Abstract: A strap assembly worn by a player in a sitting or standing position for supporting a guitar or similar instrument in a generally horizontal face-up position, stabilizes the instrument while it is being played without impeding freedom of movement of the player's hands. The strap assembly includes an elongate shoulder strap, a shoulder pad slidably mounted on the shoulder strap, an instrument headstock strap releasably connected to a first end of the shoulder strap having a looped end for attachment to the instrument headstock, an instrument body strap releasably connected to a second end of the shoulder strap for attachment to the body of the instrument, and a forearm loop mounted on the instrument body strap for receiving the forearm of the picking-hand of the instrument player.

Abstract: The present invention provides low-power, sector-rotating, electro-magnetically and mechanically operable toggling actuator. The reluctance of the magnetic circuit of this invention is controlled to effect actuation with but little magneto-motive force and, little electrical power. The preferred embodiment of this invention provides a single-coil, sector-rotating, electromagnetically and mechanically operable toggling actuator. In this embodiment, a pivotally-mounted magnetically-permeable rotor is attracted to either of two stable rotary positions by permanent magnets affixed to a magnetically-permeable stator. A magnetic circuit between the stator and the rotor comprises an electromagnetic coil to provide magneto-motive force for toggling the rotor to a desired position responsive to the direction of electrical current through the coil. A switch may be provided for activating external circuits responsive to rotor position.

Abstract: The disclosed tambin generally features: a hollow tubiform body that is generally conical; a plug for blocking the wide end of the body; an embouchure that is adjacent to the wide end of the body; and six finger holes that are spaced along the body toward its pointed end.

Abstract: The modular throw assembly disclosed herein comprises a plurality of throws comprising lever arms positionably mounted upon a single shaft. In one form, the lever arms are allowed to slide longitudinally along a portion of the shaft while the lever arms are in the released position, but are may be less likely to be longitudinally repositioned when in the tensioned position as the tension of the snare set will produce sufficient friction to hinder longitudinal sliding. In other embodiments, a setscrew or other component may be utilized to fix the position of each lever arm along the axis of the shaft. In another embodiment, narrow or wide spacers may alternatively be provided between each adjacent lever arm to provide this spacing between adjacent lever arms.

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

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

Abstract: There are provided an image acquisition unit acquiring an image containing information of a paper-based musical score from an image reading-out unit, and a musical character recognition unit recognizing a musical character contained in the image acquired by the image acquisition unit by using a plurality of musical character recognition methods, and outputting a plurality of musical character recognition results.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument controller is constructed by fixing sensors and transducers to sections of a chair, allowing a user to map motion of body, arms, head, hands, fingers, and feet to parameters of a musical instrument such as a hardware or software electronic music synthesizer. The mapping may take place over MIDI, control voltage, computer connection, or other means of interfacing.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a signal conversion unit for converting an audio signal to a pitch signal indicating a signal intensity of each pitch, a melody probability estimation unit for estimating for each frame a probability of each pitch being a melody note, based on the audio signal, and a melody line determination unit for detecting a maximum likelihood path from among paths of pitches from a start frame to an end frame of the audio signal, and for determining the maximum likelihood path as a melody line, based on the probability of each pitch being a melody note, the probability being estimated for each frame by the melody probability estimation unit.

Abstract: Melody and accompaniment audio signals are received and processed to identify one or more harmony notes and a harmony signal is produced based on the one or more harmony notes. Typically the melody note is identified and a spectrum of the accompaniment audio signal and is obtained, and one or more harmony notes are identified based on the melody note and the accompaniment spectrum. The melody, and accompaniment signals can be processed in real-time for combination with the harmony signal in an audio performance. In some examples, audio signals are processed and harmonies generated for subsequent performance based on, for example, MIDI files generated from the audio signals.

Abstract: When a signal representing a first set value or more is received from a detecting section, a determination is made whether a boost value is a predetermined value or more. When the boost value is the predetermined value or more, a currently set boost value is reduced by a predetermined step, so that a new boost value is set. Further, when the boost value is less than the predetermined value, a currently set volume level is reduced by a predetermined step, and a new volume level is set. Therefore, in a case when the set boost value is gradually reduced and the boost value is finally less than the predetermined value, the audio signal is still the first set value or more, the volume level is further reduced by each predetermined step. Therefore, an audio signal can be securely prevented from being clipped.

Abstract: A file creation process, file format and playback device are provided that enables an interactive and if desired collaborative music playback experience for the user(s) by combining or retrofitting an “original song” with a MIDI time grid, the MIDI score of the song and other data in a synchronized fashion. The invention enables a music interaction platform that requires a small amount of time to learn and very little skill, knowledge or talent to use and is designed to bring “mixing music” to the average person.

Abstract: The free-space gesture MIDI controller technique described herein marries the technologies embodied in a free-space gesture controller with MIDI controller technology, allowing a user to control an infinite variety of electronic musical instruments through body gesture and pose. One embodiment of the free-space gesture MIDI controller technique described herein uses a human body gesture recognition capability of a free-space gesture control system and translates human gestures into musical actions. Rather than directly connecting a specific musical instrument to the free-space gesture controller, the technique generalizes its capability and instead outputs standard MIDI signals, thereby allowing the free-space gesture control system to control any MIDI-capable instrument.

Abstract: Power is generated using a thermoelectric power generation unit. The thermoelectric power generation unit has at least one thermoelectric module disposed between a first heat sink arranged inside the thermoelectric power generation unit and a second heat sink arranged outside the thermoelectric power generation unit. The thermoelectric power generation unit is inserted into a ducting network carrying relatively hot air during some periods of time and relatively cold air during other periods of time so that the relatively hot and cold air flows through the thermoelectric power generation unit during the different periods of time. The thermoelectric power generation unit generates power when the ducting network carries either the relatively hot or cold air. Energy is stored at least partially based on the power generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a plurality of nanowires arranged such that diameters of the nanowires sequentially increase in a first direction along a path of incident light. In a method of forming nanowires, a catalyst layer is formed on a substrate, a plurality of nanoparticles are formed by thermally processing the catalyst layer, and nanowires are grown from the plurality of nanoparticles. The catalyst layer has a thickness that increases in a first direction, and the plurality of nanoparticles have diameters that increase in the first direction.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes at least one photovoltaic cell, a flexible glass layer formed over the at least one photovoltaic cell, and a transparent planarizing hardcoat formed on the glass layer. The planarizing hardcoat may be in compressive stress and the glass layer may be in tension.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes at least one photovoltaic cell, a flexible glass layer formed over the at least one photovoltaic cell and a transparent and abrasion resistant film which includes an organic-inorganic hybrid material formed over the glass layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing improved thin-film solar cells entirely by sputtering includes a high efficiency back contact/reflecting multi-layer containing at least one barrier layer consisting of a transition metal nitride. A copper indium gallium diselenide (Cu(InXGa1-X)Se2) absorber layer (X ranging from 1 to approximately 0.7) is co-sputtered from specially prepared electrically conductive targets using dual cylindrical rotary magnetron technology. The band gap of the absorber layer can be graded by varying the gallium content, and by replacing the gallium partially or totally with aluminum. Alternately the absorber layer is reactively sputtered from metal alloy targets in the presence of hydrogen selenide gas. RF sputtering is used to deposit a non-cadmium containing window layer of ZnS. The top transparent electrode is reactively sputtered aluminum doped ZnO. A unique modular vacuum roll-to-roll sputtering machine is described.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is made by coating a metal foil substrate with cadmium telluride powder, moving the powder coated foil across a cold plate or series of cooled rollers to prevent the substrate from melting, while melting the cadmium telluride powder by passing the powder coated foil under a microwave energy source. This forms a thin film of cadmium telluride on the foil. The cadmium telluride coated foil is then coated with cadmium sulfide powder, which is melted by passing the powder coated foil under a microwave energy source, thereby creating a P-N junction, and the cadmium sulfide layer is coated with indium, which is fused to the cadmium sulfide layer by microwave heating.

Abstract: A plastic shield for a cable and insulator is described having a center section for covering the insulator. The center section has an opening at both its ends for the cable. Proximate each opening is a pivotable flange, where the flange pivots at one end of the flange. An arm extends from each of the cable openings of the center section, and each arm covers the cable exiting the center section. Each arm is pivotally attached to the other end of the associated flange. The length of the flange will typically be about 2-3 inches. The flange allows its associated arm to be moved over a wide range of lateral angles (e.g., up to 45 degrees) and allows the arms to have a lateral offset relative to the center line of the center section and insulator to accommodate a cable that is offset from the center line.

Abstract: A power cable (10) has a metal conductor encased in a first outer sheath (11), and further encased, partially along the length of the cable, in a second outer sheath (12, 13, 14) which influences the pattern of deformation of the cable under mechanical stress.

Abstract: A holding device has a supporting frame with at least two carrying legs at the respective ends of which is arranged a holding element for accommodating a conductor wire. A holding insulator extends in a longitudinal direction which is mounted between the carrying legs of the supporting frame and which has a free end for fixing to a mast crossbeam. The supporting frame is sized in such a way that the carrying legs extend in the longitudinal direction beyond the free end of the holding insulator. Furthermore, an overhead line configuration has such a specified holding device. With this device, masts which are configured for low rated voltages to be made accessible for carrying conductor wires at high rated voltages.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a portion of a portable electronic device includes forming a glass fiber laminate sheet to provide a formed glass fiber laminate body, and overmolding a rim on the body. The rim includes a connector for coupling with a complementary part of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention is an outlet cover that is useful for covering a cylindrical socket type outlet. The outlet cover provides a watertight cover that is useful in marine applications and may be useful in automotive applications as well. The outlet cover has a base that has a flange. An upstanding ring extends upwardly from the base and an annular notch that has a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the upstanding ring. A cap has a tether that joins the base to the cap. An annular rib in the cap is adapted for mating with the annular notch on the base. The annular rib includes a notch partially through it and is adapted for accommodating the tether when the annular rib is mated with the notch on the base.

Abstract: An electric wire that has a conductor held by spacers in a covering of polytetrafluoro-ethylene (PTFE), continuous cells being formed between the covering, the spacers, and the conductor. In an axial section, the majority of the PTFE fibers of the spacers point in a substantially radial direction, thereby imparting excellent robustness to the spacers. A method of manufacturing such an electric wire, in which method an extrudate of PTFE is caused to pass through an extrusion passage around the conductor in such a manner as to form the covering; so that: upstream from an expansion section, the covering is formed by a guide; and downstream from this section, the cells are formed by section members, the spacers being formed by filling expansion channels situated between walls of the section members.

Abstract: A multilayer cable jacket. In one example embodiment, a cable includes one or more internal components and a multilayer jacket surrounding the one or more internal components. The one or more internal components include at least one electrical conductor configured to propagate a signal. The multilayer jacket includes an inner layer surrounded by an outer layer with the inner layer being less rigid than the outer layer.

Abstract: An electric compressor includes a compression mechanism, an electric motor that drives the compression mechanism, a compressor housing that accommodates the electric motor and the compression mechanism, an inverter housing coupled to the compressor housing and including an inverter accommodation chamber that accommodates the inverter, and a sealed terminal arranged in the compressor housing. The sealed terminal electrically connects the inverter and the electric motor. The sealed terminal includes a terminal pin, which is formed from a conductive material, a terminal holder, which holds the terminal pin, and an insulative body, which insulates the terminal pin from the terminal holder. The insulative body includes a first insulative body, which is arranged in the inverter accommodation chamber and formed from a ceramic, and a second insulation body, which is arranged in the compressor housing and formed from glass.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) comprises a substrate comprising an insulating material. The PCB further comprises a plurality of conductive tracks attached to at least one surface of the substrate. The PCB further comprises a multi-layer coating deposited on the at least one surface of the substrate. The multi-layer coating (i) covers at least a portion of the plurality of conductive tracks and (ii) comprises at least one layer formed of a halo-hydrocarbon polymer. The PCB further comprises at least one electrical component connected by a solder joint to at least one conductive track, wherein the solder joint is soldered through the multi-layer coating such that the solder joint abuts the multi-layer coating.

Abstract: An electronic component embedded printed circuit board is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic component embedded printed circuit board is a printed circuit board in which an electronic component is embedded in a core board, and the electronic component includes a silicon layer and a passivation layer, which is formed on one surface of the silicon layer. Here, a center line of the silicon layer and a center line of the core board are placed on a same line.

Abstract: A mounting structure includes an electronic component mounted on a circuit board. Land electrodes are disposed on a board body and are connected to outer electrodes of the electronic component through solders, respectively. A distance from each of the land electrodes to a top of the corresponding solder is not larger than about 1.27 times a distance from each of the land electrodes to an exposed portion of a capacitor conductor exposed at an end surface of the electronic component, the capacitor conductor being positioned closest to the circuit board.

Abstract: A lead-attached electrical element and a mounting board to which the lead-attached electrical element is mounted both contribute to a reduction in the size of the mounting board as well as facilitate rework. The lead-attached electrical element is constituted from an electrical element and two leads. Each lead includes a main portion which is bonded to a respective electrode face of the electrical element, and a bent portion which is inclined with respect to the main portion. The mounting board is constituted from a PC (printed circuit) board and the lead-attached electrical element. Two conductive lands are provided on a surface of the PC board. The lead-attached electrical element has been inserted into an aperture in the PC board, and bent portions of the leads attached to the electrical element are bonded to the conductive lands so that the electrical element is suspended in the aperture by the leads.

Abstract: The multilayer wiring substrate includes: a first insulating layer comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a second insulating layer on the first surface of the first insulating layer; a first wiring pattern on the second surface of the first insulating layer; a second wiring pattern on a surface of the second insulating layer; a first via formed through the first insulating layer; a second via formed through the second insulating layer; and a third wiring pattern formed on the first surface of the first insulating layer and embedded in the second insulating layer, the third wiring pattern having a hole therethrough. A diameter of the hole is smaller than each diameter of the first and second vias. The first via and the second via are connected to each other through a metal filled in the hole of the third wiring pattern.

Abstract: In a module having an electrical component, which is situated between two ground planes for electromagnetic shielding, a trough-shaped composite component is provided between an inner and an outer housing, into which the rear side of the inner housing is inserted, the composite component having an insulator trough and, on its inside, a ground plane formed at least on the trough bottom, which forms the shielding of a rear side of the electrical component. The composite component is advantageously designed as an MID component. The outer housing of the module may be manufactured in the two-component injection molding process by extrusion-coating initially using an elastomer and subsequently a thermoplast.

Abstract: A device enclosing a volume shielded from certain levels of sound, light and electromagnetic radiation, such device that prevents electromagnetic communications and recording devices from transmitting and receiving communications from outside of the devices protected environment while remaining mobile and ungrounded.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a spherical cap for a high-voltage outgoing line, including an electrically conductive element, which is arranged hollow-cylindrically about a rotational axis and which merges into a hemispherical form at its first axial end. A connection device has a passage opening for electrically and mechanically connecting the element, to an electrical screening pipe. At least two insulation barriers are spaced apart from one another and respectively adapted to the form of the hollow-cylindrical element and enclose the latter at a respective first and second distance. The insulation barriers respectively have a pipe attachment connector for leading through a screening pipe to the connection device. The connection device has a first part for connection to a screening pipe and a second part connected to the conductive element and a connection adjustable in a force-locking manner is provided between the first and second parts.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide devices and methods that facilitate improved performance. Specifically, the devices and methods provide the ability to determine object information for objects causing rigid motion on a capacitive sensor device. In one embodiment, the device and method is configured to determine an estimated rigid motion response associated with a substantially rigid motion of the at least one sensing electrode using a set of sensor values, where the substantially rigid motion was caused by one or more objects in contact with the input surface. The estimated rigid motion response at least partially accounts for effects of capacitive coupling with the object(s) in contact with the input surface. The device and method may determine object information using the estimated rigid motion response. Where the input device is used to direct an electronic system, the object information may be used to facilitate a variety of interface actions.

Abstract: A keypad assembly includes a first keypad element including a first frame element, first elastic elements connecting with the first frame element, keycaps swingably connected to the first frame element via the first elastic elements, and pressing elements protruding downward from the keycaps, and a second keypad element including a second frame element, second elastic elements connecting with the second frame element, keycaps swingably connected to the second frame element via the second elastic elements, and pressing elements protruding downward from the keycaps.

Abstract: A spring operated actuator for an electrical switching apparatus. The actuator has a main shaft transmitting the actuation movement to the switching apparatus and has opening spring means and closing spring means. The opening spring means includes an opening torsion spring and the closing means includes a closing torsion spring. The axes of the torsion springs extend in the same direction and at a distance from each other that is less than 20% of the external opening spring diameter.

Abstract: A touch sensing unit and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The touch sensing unit includes a first substrate, a first electrode, a second substrate, a second electrode, a supporting layer, a third electrode and a sensing layer. The first electrode is disposed on the first substrate. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. The first electrode is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second electrode is disposed on the second substrate, and the first electrode contacts the second electrode through a pressing motion. The supporting layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The third electrode is disposed on the second substrate. The sensing layer has constant impedance and is disposed on the second substrate between the second electrode and the third electrode to electrically connect the second electrode and the third electrode.

Abstract: A separation system includes an air separator that, in one embodiment, primarily receives Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) containing a mixture of relatively light MSW recyclable materials such as plastic, paper, cardboard, plastic containers, and/or metal containers and relatively heavy MSW such as textiles, food waste, yard debris, etc. The air separator blows the relatively light MSW recyclable materials up though a chamber and onto a first conveyor while the other relatively heavy MSW material drops down a chute onto a second conveyor. A separation screen receives the relatively light MSW recyclable materials from the air separator and separates the relatively flat fiber and plastic film materials from the other paper, plastic and metal containers. In another separation stage, an electrostatic emitter is positioned adjacent to a conveyor for applying an electrostatic charge to the fiber and plastic materials.

Abstract: A machine tool for separative machining of preferably plate-like workpieces, for example, metal sheets, has a workpiece support and a discharge device on the workpiece support. The discharge device discharges workpiece parts produced as products of the separative machining. The discharge device includes two opening sections are adjustable relative to one another in the horizontal Y direction to form a through-opening for discharge of workpiece parts. The opening sections are adjustable into different positions relative to one another in the horizontal Y direction, to form through-openings of different widths for discharge of workpiece parts.

Abstract: A method of welding a gas turbine engine substrate composed of a gamma prime precipitation strengthened nickel based superalloy, including the steps of: applying weld beads on the substrate to form a continuous layer the thickness of the weld beads; using a filler material made of a first material exhibiting comparable strength and ductility as the substrate, and a second material exhibiting greater ductility than the substrate; and creating crack propagation mitigating regions within the continuous layer by increasing the percentage of the second material in the crack propagation mitigating regions over the percentage of the second material in the remainder of the continuous layer.

Abstract: An ablative plasma gun is presented. The ablative plasma gun includes a first gun electrode and a second gun electrode arranged between a dielectric layer to form a longitudinal slot. An opening at a distal end of the longitudinal slot is provided to spread generated plasma.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for oxidizing a combustible material. The method includes introducing a volume of the combustible material into a plasma zone of a gliding electric arc oxidation system. The method also includes introducing a volume of oxidizer into the plasma zone of the gliding electric arc oxidation system. The volume of oxidizer includes a stoichiometrically excessive amount of oxygen. The method also includes generating an electrical discharge between electrodes within the plasma zone of the gliding electric arc oxidation system to oxidize the combustible material.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed which is capable of adjusting spacing between an optical member and a holding member or between optical members virtually without changing irradiation conditions of laser, and thus achieving reduction of joining time and improvement of positional accuracy at low cost. The apparatus includes an optical member, a thermomelting member, a spacing adjustment member and a holding member in this order. A first weld portion welding the spacing adjustment member and the holding member is formed therebetween, the first weld portion having been formed by heat generation of the holding member irradiated with the laser light transmitted through the optical member, the thermomelting member and the spacing adjustment member, and a second weld portion welding the spacing adjustment member and the optical member is formed therebetween, the second weld portion having been formed by the thermomelting member melted with heat transferred from the holding member.