Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the spatial position of a machine control device relative to a machine cab floor includes a support bracket defined by a pair of spaced parallel struts, and a pair of spaced cross beams orthogonally positioned relative to the struts, each cross beam having opposed ends rigidly securing the struts together. A laterally translatable carriage is supported on the cross beams for movement of the carriage between the struts along a first axis. The carriage includes a pair of spaced pin-receiving bores, orthogonally oriented with respect to the cross beams, that extend generally parallel to the struts. Spring-loaded pins may extend through each of the carriage bores to support movement of a control device along a second axis.

Abstract: An umbilical member arrangement structure capable of being used in a waterproof application, wherein a hollow portion may be independently used for wiring of a work tool, while the motion of an umbilical member for the work tool may be stabilized. A bent hollow member has a first flange attached to a first opening. Between the first flange and a first wrist element, a liquid-tight first seal member is disposed. At a second opening formed on the back side of a forearm base part, a second flange is arranged at a rear end of an I-shaped pipe, and a liquid-tight second seal member, similar to the first seal member 82, is disposed between the second flange and the rear end surface of the base part. The bent hollow member is rotatably connected to the I-shaped pipe via a bearing and an oil seal.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and robotic apparatus for applying a structural membrane lining in conduits. The remotely controlled robot comprises a series of segment blocks maintained in alignment by flexible linear rods supported in spherical swivel bushings. The rods allow for articulation as the robot negotiates bends. Segment blocks include radial guide finger pinions and guide fingers for concentric positioning. Fingers are of engineered plastics and brass to provide ballast weight for perpendicular alignment and contain high frequency air turbine vibrators. Steering vertebrae are included to maintain concentricity of the lining dissipation cup through bends. Also included are electric servo motors controlling cables and take up wheels controlling the angle of the segment blocks.

Abstract: A parallel robot is composed of two kinematic chains connecting a base to a platform having two degrees of freedom so that the platform is movable with respect to the base in a plane (x, z) of a space (x, y, z) in which the directions x, y and z are orthogonal to one another. The kinematic chains each having a bend connecting a proximal sub-chain, itself connected to the base, and a distal sub-chain, itself connected to the platform. The proximal sub-chain drives the bend in translation in the plane (x, z). The distal sub-chain of at least one of the two kinematic chains includes two rods separated from each other in the direction (y). The first and second ends of each rod are connected to the bend and the platform, respectively, by respective systems of connections composed of two pivots with axes orthogonal to each other.

Abstract: The angular contact bearing assembly for use in a steering column according to the invention comprises in particular a conductive inner ring with a concave recess forming a first raceway, a conductive outer ring with a concave recess forming a second raceway, a set of conductive balls contacting both the first raceway and the second raceway, a sleeve for mounting the conductive inner ring on a shaft; and at least one conductive part creating an electrically conductive contact between the inner ring and the shaft. It is proposed that the conductive part has a circumferential extension of less than 360° and does not have a main body in the shape of (or topologically equivalent to) a full ring.

Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure relate to a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising a bracket which carries an upper jacket unit and a lower jacket unit, wherein the jacket units surround a steering shaft rotatably mounted therein, and wherein the jacket units comprise an inner jacket tube and an outer jacket tube which surrounds the inner jacket tube at least in some sections, said jacket tubes being mounted such that they can be displaced one inside the other in their axial direction by means of a plastic sleeve made of thermoplastic which is located therebetween. Freedom from play is achieved in that the plastic sleeve is inserted into the outer jacket tube with a press fit, and in that the outer jacket tube has at least one opening, in the region of which the plastic sleeve is pressed against the inner jacket tube by deformation.

Abstract: A vibrator element includes a pair of first and second drive vibrating arms that extend in opposite directions from a base portion; a first weight that is spaced from a tip of at least one of the first and second drive vibrating arms toward the base portion and is provided in a first region of the at least one of the drive vibrating arms; and a second weight that is provided in a second region that is a region between a tip of the first weight and the tip of the at least one of the drive vibrating arms. When an area of the first region is represented as A1, a mass of the first weight is represented as B1, an area of the second region is represented as A2, and a mass of the second weight is represented as B2, B1/A1>B2/A2 is established.

Abstract: Bicycle pedal with safety fixing comprising a pedal body (1) rotatably mounted on an axle (2) and, on one face of the pedal body, a mechanism (A) for attachment of a cleat adapted to be fixed to the bottom of a shoe, this mechanism comprising first attachment means (3) and second attachment means (4) situated on either side of the axle of the pedal, one of the attachment means consisting of a hoop (5) that is virtually fixed relative to the pedal body o while the other attachment means (3) are mobile and can be moved against a return spring in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axle of the pedal to clamp the cleat or release it the hoop (5) has a lug (6a, 6b) at each of its two ends, each lug having passed through it and being supported by at least one spring axle (7a, 7b) mounted in the pedal body, which spring axle also supports is the mobile attachment means (3).

Abstract: A universal bellhousing which may be adapted to a variety of automotive engine and transmission combinations and method of making the same is disclosed. The bellhousing is made by spin forming a sheet of steel and welding a transmission plate onto the cone. The cone and transmission plate are indexed to mount to a specified engine-transmission combination.

Abstract: A gearbox for a gas turbine engine includes a housing that includes first and second housing portions interconnected by an intermediate housing portion to provide a generally U-shaped structure. Each of the first and second housing portions includes opposing first and second faces. The second faces of the first and second housing portions are adjacent to one another. First and second gear sets are respectively arranged in the first and second housing portions. A third gear set is arranged in the intermediate portion and is coupled to the first and second gear sets. Accessory drive component mounts are provided on at least three of the first and second faces of the first and second housing portions. The mounts are each configured to support an accessory drive component coupled to one of the first and second gear sets.

Abstract: A tip end part of a main arm member of a Scott Russell mechanism is enabled to be brought close to a base end part of a sub arm member. A Scott Russell mechanism device is formed into a boomerang-like shape such that a main arm member coupled to a sub arm member is curved to detour a coupling position. Thus, when the coupling angle is changed so that a base end part of the main arm member and a base end part of the sub arm member are most separated from each other, a tip end part of the main arm member can be moved close to right beside the base end part of the sub arm member. With the Scott Russell mechanism device, a moving range of the tip end side of the main arm member can be enlarged.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles having a core-shell structure with good oxidation stability, wherein the method comprises the steps of: heating and agitating a core metal precursor solution; mixing a shell metal precursor solution with the heated and agitated core metal precursor solution, and heating and agitating the mixed metal precursor solution; and irradiating the heated and agitated metal precursor solution with radioactive rays. Thus, since yield can be maximized through a simple and environmentally friendly process that does not use a chemical reducing agent, there is no need for a process for removing an added reducing agent, and since a post-heat-treatment of particles is not performed, the manufacturing process is rendered simple and highly economical.

Abstract: A method for preparing metal particles, including the steps of: depositing a metal layer on a substrate, irradiating the metal layer with a laser, a plate of a material transparent or quasi-transparent to the laser wavelength being interposed between the metal layer and the laser source.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new recovery of base metals from sulphide ores and concentrates, which comprises mixing the base metal's ore with ferric salts, heating the said mixture; adding water to form a pulp, stirring and filtering the pulp.

Abstract: The present invention describes an advantageous and effective streamlined process for the production of iron ore pellets, the green pellets replacing the burnt pellets for covering the metallic surface in “travelling grate” furnace during the burning step, the process comprising at least some or all of the steps of grinding the iron ore; filtering the crushed iron ore; mixing the filtered iron ore with at least one binder; pelletizing the mixture; drying the green pellets; transferring the pellets to the side and bottom grids of a “travelling grate” furnace equipment and screening the burnt iron ore pellets. An optimized process for the production of iron ore pellets is provided that is innovative, efficient and economical when compared to currently known processes.

Abstract: A sommelier's corkscrew having an elongated first shaft (1) hingedly connected at one end with a second shaft (2) including a tool (2.1) for opening crown caps and an extension (2.2) having a formed step adapted to engage the top edge of a bottle mouth during the corkscrew lifting step, and a helically shaped third shaft (3) hingedly connected to the first shaft. The corkscrew further includes a mechanical element (10, 20) adapted to engage the third shaft and acutuate it automatically to move the third shaft from the closed position of the corkscrew, where the third shaft is contained between the first and second shafts, to the open position where the third shaft is substantially perpendicular to the first and second shafts aligned in the open position.

Abstract: A hand tool with stripping and shearing functions includes a base, a handle set, a clamping element, an engaging blade set, a link rod set and a shearing blade set. The base includes a first body and a second body, and the first body has a first jaw section, and the second body has a second jaw section. The clamping element is corresponsive to the first jaw section. The engaging blade set is corresponsive to the second jaw section. The link rod set is pivotally coupled to the handle set, the clamping element, and the engaging blade set. The shearing blade set is coupled to a first knife body of the first body and a second knife body of the second body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are powered torque tools that may be used in assembly operations in confined spaces, such as doors-on automotive assembly operations. In various embodiments, the torque tools include an elongated housing having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end includes a gripping handle. The disclosed torque tools also may include a drive element disposed in the distal end portion and adapted to rotatably engage a threaded fastener, a gear assembly operatively connected within the housing and operatively coupled to the drive element, a drive motor disposed within the gripping handle, and a cable-exit extending from the housing and positioned between the gripping handle and the distal end portion, wherein the cable-exit is configured to electrically couple the motor to a control cable.

Abstract: A tensioning device for extending a threaded bolt by tensioning the threaded end section thereof is connectable to a hydraulic supply. The tensioning device has a supporting tube surrounding the threaded end section. A cylinder is arranged in continuation of the supporting tube and s piston is arranged in the cylinder and movable in longitudinal direction of the cylinder. An exchange socket is screwable to the threaded end section and configured to be carried along axially by the piston. A pin is movably arranged in the longitudinal direction and has a pin body with a first pin end supported in the longitudinal direction against the threaded end section of the threaded bolt. A sensing device senses a position of the pin in the longitudinal direction. An evaluation and control unit connected to the sensing device is acting on the hydraulic supply to enable the hydraulic supply.

Abstract: An air ratchet wrench includes a wrench body, a rotary driving head, an airflow unit formed in the wrench body, a switch unit, a driving unit and a valve assembly. The airflow unit includes a primary air path and a pair of head-directing paths. When the driving unit is triggered, airflow is permitted to enter the primary air path for driving rotation of the driving head, and is prevented from entering any of the head-directing paths. When the driving unit is not triggered, airflow is prevented from entering the primary air path, and is allowed by the valve assembly to enter one of the head-directing paths selected through user operation of the switch unit for controlling rotation direction of the driving head.

Abstract: A shifting device for a wrench tool contains: a tool head including a driving portion and an axial hole, and the axial hole having a plurality of inner teeth; a rotating rod including an axial peg extending outwardly to be fitted in the axial hole, and the axial peg including a first groove and a second groove communicating with the first groove; an engaging member received in the first groove and having a toothed section and a pushing section; a controlling member fixed in the second groove and having an abutting stem extending into the first groove, such that the controlling member pushes the pushing section so that the toothed section engages with the plurality of inner teeth; two elastic loops fitted on the axial peg of the rotating rod to push one end of the engaging member so that the engaging member moves back to an original position.

Abstract: A driving end of a tool includes a body including a chamber. A first engaging member is rotatably disposed in the chamber and defines a first engaging section. A second engaging member is rotatably disposed in the chamber and defines first and second engaging ends. The first engaging section is engaged with the first engaging end. At least one pawl is slidably disposed in the chamber and defines a first engaging portion. The second engaging end is selectively engaged with the first engaging portion. A switch is pivotally engaged with the body and abutted against the at least one pawl.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a wrench body and a ratchet rotatably mounted in a ratchet hole of the wrench body and provided with one end protruding out of the ratchet hole for connection of a driving wheel. Thus, a user can rotate the driving wheel to force the rotation of the ratchet, such that a screw nut accommodated in the ratchet can be secured or loosened quickly and conveniently.

Abstract: A torque multiplier apparatus includes an input pinion, a geared torque multiplier mechanism, and an input retainer. The input pinion and the input retainer include first and second identical connectors so that a detent stud can be positioned in either one of the first and second connectors, allowing the torque multiplier to be used for increased torque (and reduced speed) or for increased speed (and lesser torque). A related method includes engaging the driving tool with the first connector and the socket with the second connector to provide an increased torque on a socket to break loose a fastener, and flipping the torque multiplier so that the driving tool engages the second connector and the socket engages the first connector to provide an increased speed of torsional rotation to more quickly remove the fastener from the shaft. The detent stud is torsionally shearable, thus preventing over-stressing and damaging the tool.

Abstract: A method for machining curved surface includes the flowing steps. A lathe is provided. The lathe includes a work table and a feeding device. The feeding device has a cutter. A workpiece is held on the work table. The work table rotates the workpiece. The feeding device controls the cutter to move backwards and forwards at a high speed to machine the workpiece circumferentially. The feeding device moves in a plane relative to the work table to machine the curved surface.

Abstract: A lathe control system used for three dimensional curved surface machining includes an input module, a control module, a work table, a feeding module, a first sliding module, a second sliding module, and a cutter. The control module is electrically connected with the input module, the feeding module, the first sliding module, and the second sliding module. The first sliding module drives the feeding module to move along a first direction. The second sliding module drives the feeding module to move along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The cutter is positioned on the feeding module. The feeding module is capable of driving the cutter to move back and forth along a third direction under the control of the control module. The third direction is perpendicular to first and second direction.

Abstract: A lathe includes a machine support, a working table positioned on the machine support, a rotating driver, a moving device, and a feeding device. The rotating driver rotates the work table. The moving device includes at least one cross beam, at least one first driving mechanism, and at least one second driving mechanism. The cross beam is movably positioned on the machine support above the working table. The feeding device is movably positioned on the at least one cross beam, and includes a feeding driving mechanism and a cutter. The first driving mechanism drives the cross beam to move along a first direction, and the second driving mechanism drives the feeding device to move along a second direction at about ninety degrees from the first direction. The feeding mechanism drives the cutter to move backwards and forwards along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second direction.

Abstract: A lathe includes a machine support, a work table, two cross beams and a feeding device. The work table is positioned on the machine support. The two cross beams are mounted on the machine support above the work table. The feeding device includes a cutter. The feeding device is slidably assembled between the two cross beams to obtain support from opposite sides of the two cross beams.

Abstract: A feeding device includes a tool holder, a cutter, a feeding mechanism and a mounting seat. The cutter is positioned on the tool holder. The mounting seat has at least one guiding portion. The tool holder is engaged with the at least one guiding portion. The feeding mechanism drives the tool holder and the cutter to controllably reciprocate along the at least one gliding portion.

Abstract: A lathe includes a machine support, a work table, a moving device and a feeding device. The work table is rotatably positioned on the machine support for driving a workpiece placed on the work table to rotate. The moving device is movably mounted, slidably on the machine support along a first direction above the work table. The feeding device is slidably positioned on the moving device along a second direction vertical to the first direction, the feeding device includes a cutter. The feeding device drives the cutter backwards and forwards under precise control at high speed along a third orthogonal direction for machining the workpiece.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a machine support, a work table positioned on the machine support, a moving device and a feeding device. The moving device is movably mounted on the machine support along a first direction above the work table. The feeding device is slidably positioned on the moving device along a second direction at ninety degrees from the first direction. The feeding device includes a feeding mechanism and a cutter. The feeding mechanism drives the tool holder and the cutter to move back and forth along a third orthogonal direction.

Abstract: A cutting tool with first and second pivoted shearing blades has a guide member mounted to the first blade for transverse movement relative to the first blade and toward and away from the second blade. The guide member has at least one transverse restraining surface that confronts a transverse guided surface of at least one of the distal blade portions during cutting to resist axial separation of the cutting edges away from the cutting plane. In some embodiments, the guide member is actuated by placing the workpiece between the blades. Alternatively, the guide member is actuated by relative pivotal movement of the blades.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mechanical hand tool device, in particular a fret and/or a reciprocating saw device, including a locating unit having at least one antenna. The locating unit is configured to detect objects outside a workpiece and to detect objects inside the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treating dough, comprising an essentially horizontally extending conveyor, for conveying a flat dough sheet, at least one mat, arranged above the conveyor, with its end downstream the direction of conveyance resting on or slightly above the conveyor, for rolling up the dough sheet when it is conveyed underneath, at least one fence, forming a blunt sealing knife, arranged vertically at a distance above the conveyor surface and extending in the direction of conveyance, downstream the at least one mat, for notching and therewith sealing the rolled up dough sheet without cutting it and at least one rotatable knife, arranged at the downstream outermost end of the fence and in the plane of said fence, for cutting the notched dough piece. The invention further relates to a method for treating dough.

Abstract: A method of preventing a tooth from continuously breaking in a band saw blade, comprises the steps of: moving the band 5 saw blade to a longitudinal direction and moving the band saw blade to a cutting direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the band saw blade so as to cut a work; bringing a projecting portion disposed at a rear position of a surface of relief at the back of a tip in a saw tooth broken into contact 10 with a bottom portion of a cutting groove in the work when the tooth breaking is generated in the saw tooth of the band saw blade; and limiting a cutting amount of the following saw tooth, thereby preventing the following saw tooth from breaking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of reducing current requirements by increasing resistance of the blade structure by reducing the cross sectional area of at least one section of the blade so that the electrical current requirements for heating of the blade to cutting temperature are reduced wherein the power supply and substantially entire unit may be mounted within a hand held unit. Methods of shaping blades to perform various heat distributions for specialty blades for custom cutting are disclosed. Further, an improved blade mounting structure is provided which includes structure for maintaining the legs of the blade parallel to the direction of cut and provides for easy insertion of new blades by maintaining a slotted blade cradle stable and in alignment with the blades and a clamp member away from the blade when the clamp mounting structure is loosened.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet processing apparatus which includes a punch portion punching a hole at an end part of a sheet, and a push-out member discharging the sheet by pushing the end part of the sheet where the punch process is performed by the punch portion; and the push-out member discharges the sheet at a sheet discharging speed lower than a predetermined speed from the intermediate process tray in accordance with punch process information (i.e., combination of a size and a type of the sheet and number, a shape and a size of holes) that strength of a sheet end part is decreased by the punch process, and is lower than predetermined sheet strength capable of being discharged at the predetermined speed.

Abstract: A fine hydro-blanking device is used for blanking a sheet stock. The fine hydro-blanking device includes a clamping module and a punching module. The clamping module is used for clamping the sheet stock. The clamping module includes at least one cavity and at least one fluid flow channel. The at least one fluid flow channel runs through the clamping module. The punching module is inserted into the at least one cavity of the clamping module and contacted with the sheet stock. At least one trough is formed in the sheet stock, and the at least one fluid flow channel is in communication with the at least one trough, so that a liquid is introduced into the at least one trough through the at least one fluid flow channel to provide a liquid pressure to the sheet stock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of reducing current requirements by increasing resistance of the blade structure by reducing the cross sectional area of at least one section of the blade so that the electrical current requirements for heating of the blade to cutting temperature are reduced wherein the power supply and substantially entire unit may be mounted within a hand held unit. Methods of shaping blades to perform various heat distributions for specialty blades for custom cutting are disclosed. Further, an improved blade mounting structure is provided which includes structure for maintaining the legs of the blade parallel to the direction of cut and provides for easy insertion of new blades by maintaining a slotted blade cradle stable and in alignment with the blades and a clamp member away from the blade when the clamp mounting structure is loosened.

Abstract: A feeding device includes a tool holder, a cutter, a feeding mechanism and a mounting seat. The cutter is positioned on the tool holder. The mounting seat has at least one guiding portion. The tool holder is slidably engaged with the at least one guiding portion. The feeding mechanism includes at least two drivers. Each driver includes a forcer and a stator. The forcers are mounted in the mounting seat, the stators are fixedly positioned on the tool holder. Interactions between alternating magnetic fields produced by the forcers and magnetic fields produced by the stators drive the tool holder and the cutter to backwards and forwards under precise control along the guiding portion.

Abstract: An auto-cutting apparatus cuts off burrs from a workpiece. The auto-cutting apparatus includes a work platform, a cutting device, and a control box. The work platform has a work station. The workpiece is placed on the work station. The cutting device is mounted to the work platform, the cutting device comprises a blade. The control box controls the blade to move to the workpiece on the work station to cut off the burrs of the workpiece. The control box controls the cutting device to move the blade away from the workpiece when the redundant part has been cut off.

Abstract: A vegetable cutting apparatus which includes a rotation driving unit, a cutting unit, and a feeding unit having a vegetable intermittent feeding device; the feeding unit is provided with a drive roller and a driven roller which are installed across side walls horizontally extending from the cutting unit, a conveyor belt which is installed between both rollers, and a holding roller which is disposed above the conveyor belt on the rear side thereof with a clearance to the conveyor belt being held; and a oneway clutch is mounted to the drive roller such that, with rocking turning thereof, the drive roller is intermittently rotation-driven, thereby the vegetables placed on the conveyor belt being intermittently fed, and at the time of cutting operation, feeding of the vegetables can be stopped.

Abstract: A saw has a base assembly, a saw assembly pivotally mounted on the base assembly, a motor mounted within the saw assembly, and a drive spindle rotatably driven by the motor via a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism has a rotatable output shaft, a first drive wheel mounted on the output shaft, a rotatable intermediate shaft, a first driven wheel mounted on the intermediate shaft, a first drive belt wrapped around the first drive wheel and first driven wheel for transfer rotary motion of the output shaft to the intermediate shaft, a second drive wheel mounted on the intermediate shaft, a second driven wheel mounted on the drive spindle, and a second drive belt wrapped around the second drive wheel and second driven wheel for transferring rotary motion of the intermediate shaft to the drive spindle.

Abstract: A saw includes a base assembly, a circular table rotatably mounted on the base assembly, a bevel mount pivotally mounted on the rear of the circular table, and a saw assembly slideably and pivotally mounted on the bevel mount. The saw assembly includes a motor, a cutting blade driven by the motor, a fixed guard mounted on the saw assembly surrounding at least part of the top half of the periphery of the cutting blade, and a dust tube mounted on the fixed guard. A dust chute is mounted on the bevel mount for directing the flow of dust and debris generated by the cutting action of the blade into the fixed guard when the saw assembly is located in its closest position to the bevel mount.

Abstract: An apparatus for punching holes is provided. The apparatus may include a base movable from a first position to a second position and first and second punch assemblies attached to and movable with the base. The punch assemblies may each include parallel punches movable relative to the base and having an end. The apparatus may include first and second cams fixed to a rotatable shaft and having an engagement portion for engagement with the ends of the respective punches at a predetermined rotation position of the shaft. When the base is in the first position, rotation of the shaft to the predetermined rotation position may cause movement of only one of the punches relative to the base. When the base is in the second position, rotation of the shaft to the predetermined rotation position may cause movement of only the other punch of the punch assemblies.

Abstract: A cell cutting device that cuts a mother substrate for display devices includes a fixing unit configured to move in a state where the mother substrate for display devices is fixed on the fixing unit, a cutter configured to perform a cutting process on the mother substrate for display devices and the cutter faces a surface of the mother substrate during the cutting process, a cutter driving unit driving the cutter in a state where the cutter is fixed thereon, and a buffer member arranged on another surface of the mother substrate to correspond to the cutter. The other surface is opposite the surface facing the cutter.

Abstract: A keyboard musical instrument including: a key; a hammer; an actuator configured to drive at least one of the key and the hammer in a movement direction in which the at least one of the key and the hammer moves in a key depression stroke; a hammer detector configured to detect a hammer-motion related value that relates to a motion of the hammer; a trajectory generator configured to generate a target trajectory of the at least one of the key and the hammer based on automatic performance information that defines a motion target value of the at least one of the key and the hammer; a feedback-value generator configured to generate a feedback value based on the hammer-motion related value in automatic performance detected by the hammer detector; and a controller configured to servo-control the actuator based on the generated target trajectory and the generated feedback value.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument employs springs to apply tension to corresponding musical strings. Each spring is chosen and configured for its ability to impart a string tension generally matched to the appropriate tension of the string at perfect tune. Preferably, the spring is selected and arranged so that the tension in the string maintains at or near perfect tune even as the string elongates or contracts over time. In one embodiment, once a string is placed in appropriate tune, a mechanical visual indicator is set. As such, if tune of the string changes due to string elongation or contraction, the change is reflected by misalignment of the mechanical visual indicator even if the change cannot be aurally detected. Perfect tune can be reestablished by realigning the indicator. In another embodiment, a force modulating member is interposed between a spring and its corresponding musical string.

Abstract: A bridge assembly having a saddle plate with a first aperture, and a tremolo block with a second aperture aligned with the first aperture. The tremolo block is attached to the saddle plate, and it has a plurality of arcuate string apertures therethrough configured to receive the strings therein while maintaining contact between the string and the tremolo block along substantially the entire length of the respective string aperture.

Abstract: A note sequence analysis apparatus calculates a similarity index based on similarity between a designated sequence of notes designated by a user and a reference sequence of notes for each of a plurality of reference pieces of music, then selects a reference piece of music from among the plurality of reference pieces of music based on the similarity index calculated for each of the plurality of reference pieces of music, and specifies an evaluation index of the designated sequence of notes based on the similarity index calculated for the selected reference piece of music.