Abstract: A filter for filtering debris out of a fluid flowing along a fluid flow direction in a fluidic member of a sample separation device, the filter comprising a plurality of filter structures stacked along the fluid flow direction and each having pores with defined pore size, wherein the defined pore size of the stacked filter structures decreases along the fluid flow direction.

Abstract: A lab member for use in a laboratory liquid handling system including a pipetting module and a drive system, the pipetting module including first and second pipettors, the first and second pipettors including first and second pipettor shafts, respectively, a first pipetting tip extending from an end of the first pipettor shaft, and a second pipetting tip extending from an end of the second pipettor shaft, includes a lab object and first and second integral adapter structures. The first and second adapter structures are configured to engage the first and second pipettor shafts, respectively. The first adapter structure is configured to releasably secure the lab member to the first pipettor shaft.

Abstract: A system and method of preparing a target surface with an analyte sample is provided. A target preparation device includes a housing having a cavity. A target is positioned in the cavity of the housing. An exemplary method includes introducing an analyte solution into the cavity of the housing such that the analyte solution is in contact with the target surface and delivering a drying gas into the cavity to evaporate the solvent of the analyte solution and to deposit the analyte onto the target surface.

Abstract: A keyboard testing machine for testing a keyboard of an electronic apparatus is apparatus. The electronic apparatus is carried on a conveyor. The keyboard testing machine includes a rack, a 3D movement apparatus, a linear encoder, a first driving module, and a pressing module. A first slide rail of the rack is parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor. The 3D movement apparatus is slidably disposed on the first slide rail. The linear encoder is used to detect the conveying speed of the conveyor. The first driving module is disposed on the rack for driving the 3D movement apparatus to move along the first slide rail with the conveying speed. The pressing module is operatively connected to the 3D movement apparatus. The 3D movement apparatus makes the pressing module press the keyboard, and moves the pressing module along a pressing path relative to the keyboard.

Abstract: A system configured to determine a property of a paving-related material is provided. The system includes a measuring device configured for measuring a property of a paving-related material and a cellular computer device configured for being in communication with and receiving data from the measuring device.

Abstract: A gate release apparatus of an automatic pill dispenser includes a base, a gate, a release assembly, a resisting member, a gear assembly, and a resilient member. The base includes a bottom plate and a ring plate. The ring plate defines an opening. The gate is configured to cover the opening. The gear assembly includes a swing gear. The door includes a rack. The resisting member resists the release assembly in the first position, and the release assembly resists the gear assembly to enable the swing gear to engage with the rack. To disengage from the gear from the gear assembly the release assembly is rotated by the resilient member thereby disengaging the swing from the rack when the resisting member is in a second position.

Abstract: A vibration exciter, particularly for a vibration pile driver, includes at least two shafts disposed parallel to one another, as well as at least two imbalance masses, which are attached on one or more of the shafts. A pivot motor provided for adjustment of the relative rotational position of the imbalance masses with regard to one another, includes a pivot motor shaft and a pivot motor housing. The pivot motor shaft is an integral part of one of the shafts, and the rotational position of the pivot motor housing relative to the pivot motor shaft can be changed. The pivot motor is disposed axially offset, in such a manner that it is disposed outside of the regions through which the imbalance masses move.

Abstract: A pivot motor, particularly for a vibration exciter for construction machines, has a pivot motor housing that is mounted so as to rotate on a pivot motor shaft. At least two pressure chambers to which a hydraulic oil is to be supplied are provided, by way of which oil the pivot motor can be driven. The pivot motor shaft is provided with an axial bore, into which a lance disposed in torque-proof manner projects, through which lance axially at least two channels for supplying oil to the pivot motor are passed, which end in ring grooves introduced on the outside of the lance, at least in certain regions, at a distance from one another. Radial bores for connecting the at least two ring grooves of the lance with the at least two pressure chambers are introduced into the pivot motor shaft.

Abstract: A vibration exciter for construction machines, particularly for vibration pile drivers, includes at least one axle having at least two imbalance masses. At least one rotary piston pivot motor is provided, by way of which the rotational position of at least one imbalance mass, relative to the at least one other imbalance mass, can be changed. The rotary piston pivot motor has a pivot motor housing that is mounted on a pivot motor shaft so as to rotate relative to it. At least one rotary vane is disposed on the pivot motor shaft, the angle of rotation of which vane is limited by at least one stop disposed on the pivot motor housing. The maximal angle of rotation of the at least one rotary vane amounts to less than 160 degrees, preferably 150 degrees or less.

Abstract: An actuator comprises: a housing which is provided with an opening; a slider which is installed so as to be movable relative to the housing; a drive means which is installed in the housing and which moves the slider; at least a pair of seal members which is disposed at the opening of the housing so as to face each other and which exhibits dust-proof and drip-proof functions by engaging with each other; and move-through members which are mounted to both sides of the slider in the movement direction thereof and which move through the pair of seal members.

Abstract: An actuator includes a ball nut, a ball screw, and a ball screw stop. The ball nut is adapted to receive an input torque and in response rotates and supplies a drive force. The ball screw extends through the ball nut and has a first end and a second end. The ball screw receives the drive force from the ball nut and in response selectively translates between a retract position and a extend position. The ball screw stop is mounted on the ball screw proximate the first end to translate therewith. The ball screw stop engages the ball nut when the ball screw is in the extend position, translates, with compliance, a predetermined distance toward the first end upon engaging the ball nut, and prevents further rotation of the ball screw upon translating the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A transmission having two clutches connected between a drive and respective transmission input shafts, one being hollow which supports the other within. A hollow countershaft which supports another countershaft therein. A main shaft arranged coaxially between the inner input shaft and an output shaft. Shifting elements can engage a variety of transmission connections in which transmission elements of the main group couple transmission elements of the range group which can couple the output shaft. The hollow countershaft has three fixed wheels which engage respective loose wheels, and the countershafts are rigidly coupled by a shifting element. With respect to this shifting element: an adjacent loose wheel rotates on and can rigidly couple the main shaft; a remote loose wheel rotates on and can rigidly couple the inner input shaft; and a central loose wheel rotates on and can rigidly couple at least one of the inner input and main shafts.

Abstract: A handbrake for a railroad car includes a handbrake body having one or more gear train components therein and a drive shaft operatively connected to the one or more gear train components. An intermediate pinion shaft is operatively connected to the drive shaft through one or more gears. A shaft alignment link is adapted for maintaining a relative spacing between the drive shaft and the intermediate pinion shaft during rotation of the drive shaft. A gear box housing is provided to enclose at least a portion of the drive shaft, the intermediate pinion shaft, and the shaft alignment link. The shaft alignment link is movable relative to the gear box housing due to any eccentric movement of the drive shaft to maintain the proper spacing between the drive shaft and the intermediate pinion shaft, thereby eliminating a possibility of gear binding. A method for aligning internal gear components within a handbrake and an alignment system for use with a railway vehicle handbrake is also provided.

Abstract: A split sprocket for belts or chains. The split sprocket comprises two sections that slide together along parallel slide tracks that are perpendicular to two opposite walls of the sprocket's bore. The slide track includes male T-shaped, V-shaped, or jigsaw-puzzle-shaped beams on one of the sections that slide into mating female slots in the other section. The mated slide tracks prevent the sections from separating in all directions except the separation direction along the slide tracks. A fastener through one of the sections into the other prevents the assembled sprocket sections from sliding apart along the slide tracks.

Abstract: A shifter apparatus for manually changing gear ratio in a planetary gear transmission, said planetary gear transmission being of the type which comprises a plurality of actuators, wherein the sequential actuation of said actuators progressively causes a change of gear ratio in said planetary gear transmission. The shifter apparatus advantageously provides a single lever which can be quickly and easily shifted by a user.

Abstract: A valve system for controlling a system pressure control system, in particular a hydraulic control unit of an automatic transmission, includes a multi-stage system pressure valve, a pilot valve and a control valve with a control piston downstream from the pilot valve that governs the pressure at a differential area of the system pressure valve, depending on the pilot pressure. The pilot pressure/system pressure characteristic curve features a continuous development, and whereas, from a predefined pilot pressure, on the basis of a sudden change to the dependency of the change to the system pressure as a function of the change to the pilot pressure, the gradient of the system pressure as a function of the pilot pressure is significantly steeper than that prior to the predefined pilot pressure.

Abstract: A bearing is interposed in the revolute pair between a proximal end side link hub (2) and each proximal side end link member (5). A control device controls an actuator, to perform work-time control for causing a determined work operation to be executed and to perform, while the work-time control is stopped, grease circulation control for circulating grease sealed in the bearing. The maximum value ?max of a bending angle in the work-time control does not exceed the maximum allowable bending angle ??max being the maximum value of the bending angle allowable in the mechanism, and the maximum value of the bending angle in the grease circulation control is greater than the maximum value ?max of the bending angle in the work-time control and smaller than the maximum allowable bending angle ??max.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a parking mode manually releasing device for a shift-by-wire type automatic transmission. The parking mode manually releasing device includes: a housing having a translational motion in interlock with rotation of a shift control lever of the automatic transmission; a rod member arranged in such a way as to slide as far as a predetermined stroke relative to the housing and having a locking part; and a locking clip fastened to the housing. When the locking part is locked by the locking clip, the translational motion of the housing is generated in interlock with the sliding motion of the rod member, and the rod member is connected to a cable which is pulled when a parking mode is released manually.

Abstract: A rotary motor includes a rotor and at least one stator. The rotor has a shaft. The stator has an iron core and a coil wound around the iron core. A cross section of the iron core perpendicular to the shaft has a long axis and a short axis, and the rotor is disposed on an extension line of the long axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration-type driving apparatus including a vibrator including an electro-mechanical transducer; a driven body disposed in pressure-contact with the vibrator; a supporting portion extending from the vibrator; a base to which the vibrator is fixed with the supporting portion interposed therebetween; a vibration absorber disposed between the supporting portion and the base; and a compressive-force adjusting device capable of adjusting a compressive force to be applied to the vibration absorber between the supporting portion and the base.

Abstract: The present application provides an industrial robot that can control the abrasion and damage of a bearing unit, and also control the deformation of an arm, even in the case of transferring a high-temperature transfer object in a vacuum. The industrial robot includes a bearing unit for supporting an arm at a joint section as a connection section between the arm and the main body. At the joint section, the arm has a first protrusion section protruding toward the main body, and meanwhile the main body has a first housing section in which a first hollow section for housing the first protrusion section is formed. The first protrusion section and the first housing section are formed of a material having higher thermal conductivity than the bearing unit has, and a semisolid thermally-conductive substance, having higher thermal conductivity than the bearing unit has, is placed in the first hollow section.

Abstract: There is provided a brake rod assembly for a walker apparatus. The assembly includes a brake rod operatively connected to a brake for braking the walker apparatus. The assembly includes a connection member operatively connected to a brake handle. The assembly includes a gripping member that is spring-biased to slidably receive the brake rod. The gripping member has an adjustment mechanism rigidly connected thereto that adjustably engages a connection member. Actuation of the connection member tilts the gripping member upwards and engages the brake rod for braking the walker apparatus.

Abstract: A control device includes at least one push-button (3) slideably mounted in a shell (1) in a push-button direction (P) substantially perpendicular to the shell (1), and elastic elements (50) that tend to cause the button (3) to emerge from the shell (1) and retaining elements (4, 30) that limit the travel of the button (3) against the action of the elastic elements (50). The retaining elements include at least one hook (30) of the button (3) of which a nose (300) projects perpendicularly to the push-button direction (P), and a rod (4) running parallel to the shell (1) to form an end stop for the button (3) in collaboration with the nose (300) of the hook (30), the rod (4) being mounted removably in the shell (1).

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly includes a releasable clamp assembly that clamps a shroud of the assembly in position relative to a support bracket, the clamp assembly including an elongate clamp bolt onto which are stacked: at least a part of an adjustable shroud of the steering assembly, and a cam mechanism comprising a fixed cam part and a moving cam part, the two parts each having a bore through which the clamp bolt passes, a thrust bearing, and a locking nut which includes an internal thread that engages a complimentary thread on the clamp bolt and which is locked down so as to apply an axial load to the thrust bearing. The assembly also includes a tapered compliant bush which is pressed into a space defined between the clamp bolt and the bore of the moving cam part of the cam mechanism with the relatively thick end of the bush nearest the thrust bearing and with the thrust bearing applying an axial load to the bush.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes: a telescopic mechanism that can move a steering column in a front and rear direction of a vehicle; a tilt mechanism that can tilt the steering column in a vertical direction of the vehicle; a driving mechanism that adjusts and transmits an output torque of a driving motor to a telescopic screw shaft that drives the telescopic mechanism and to a tilt screw shaft that drives the tilt mechanism provided in parallel with the telescopic screw shaft; and a switching mechanism that has a first clutch mechanism which connects and disconnects the driving mechanism and the tilt screw shaft, a second clutch mechanism which connects and disconnects the driving mechanism and the telescopic screw shaft, and a switching motor that switches a clutch mechanism between the first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism.

Abstract: An adjusting structure for a seatpost of a bicycle includes a telescopic post and at least one adjusting module. The telescopic post includes at least one switch disposed on one end of the telescopic post, wherein the switch is for lengthening or shortening the telescopic post. The adjusting module is disposed on the telescopic post corresponding to the switch and for pushing the switch.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for mounting to a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has an operable portion, at least two fixation portions and an operated device. The vehicle control system includes a center line, a first sleeve and an outmost sheath. Two ends of the center line are connected respectively to the operable portion and the operated device. The operated device is controllably operated by the operable portion via the center line. The first sleeve is disposed around the center line and extends continuously between the operable portion and the operated device, and is slidable relative to the center line. The sheath is disposed around the first sleeve, and located between the operable portion and one of the fixation portions and between the operated device and the other fixation portion.

Abstract: A pedal apparatus for a vehicle includes: a pedal arm mounted on a vehicle body by a hinge shaft and having one end connected with a pedal and the other end where a rack gear is formed; a link arm having a pinion gear at one end that meshes with the rack gear to pivot on a center shaft of the pinion gear with respect to the pedal arm, and having the other end where a locking pin is formed; and a plate mounted on the vehicle body, the plate having a sliding groove where the locking pin of the link arm is inserted, in which ridges and depressions are formed at regular intervals in the sliding groove so that the locking pin slides step by step while being locked to the ridges and depressions.

Abstract: A mounting assembly and method for attaching a vehicle pedal assembly to a vehicle floor. A main bracket is provided wherein the main bracket having an upper surface, the main bracket is mounted to a vehicle floor. An aperture provided through the upper surface of the main bracket. A first insert mounted within the insert, the first insert configured to securely connect to the aperture of the main bracket. A second insert mounted to a bottom surface of a pedal housing, the second insert mounted within the first insert to securely connect the main bracket to the pedal housing. The first insert and the second insert rotated into a secured position.

Abstract: A steering head for a walkie/rider truck includes a horn arranged in midsection and connectable to one end of a steering stem. Hand grips configured to control an operation of a drive are arranged on both sides of the horn and extend substantially transversely to the horn, and wing grips configured to control a raising and lowering of a load-carrying member are rotatably mounted on both sides of the horn and defining rotation axes which respectively extend in prolongation of rotation axes of hand grips.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with a centrifugal pendulum device having a pendulum mass carrier, a moveable coupling element rotatably coupled to the pendulum mass carrier via a first bearing element, the coupling element forming a continuous piece of material, and two pendulum masses spaced away from one another and rotatably coupled to the coupling element via a second bearing element and a third bearing element.

Abstract: A thermal ratchet system includes a ratchet housing, a ratchet mandrel, a first ratchet, and a second ratchet. The first ratchet is disposed at a position generally fixed with respect to the ratchet housing and is urgeable with respect to the ratchet mandrel in an axial direction by a change in environmental temperature in a first direction. The second ratchet is disposed at a position generally fixed with respect to the ratchet housing and is urgeable with respect to the ratchet mandrel in the axial direction by a change in environmental temperature in a second direction opposite to the first direction. At least one of the first ratchet and the second ratchet is engaged with the ratchet mandrel.

Abstract: A kinetic energy recovery and electric drive system for automotive vehicles comprises an electric pancake motor-generator having its stator housing coupled, combined or integrated with the gearbox housing of a gearbox or final drive mechanism and its rotor shaft oriented vertically and perpendicular to the drive-shaft or drive axle of the vehicle. In certain embodiments the pancake motor rotor may be fitted or integral with a perpendicular peripheral stiffening flange in which is located a plurality of equally spaced permanent magnets of alternating polarity that electromagnetically engage with electromagnets of the pancake motor-generator stator. To facilitate retrofitting to existing vehicles the system may include an autonomous hybrid controller that includes at least one sensor to detect motion of the vehicle and/or motor without requiring any interface or integration with the vehicle's subsystems.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a melting and refining process in an electric arc furnace for melting a metal, wherein the electric arc furnace includes molten and solid metal and a slag layer on the surface of the molten metal, wherein an electromagnetic stirrer is arranged for stirring the molten metal. The method includes calculating/determining masses of the molten and solid metal at a point of time, wherein the calculation is based on initial values of the molten and solid metal, an arc power supplied to the electric arc furnace, and temperatures of the molten and solid metal, determining a stirring power based on the calculated/determined masses, and supplying the determined stirring power to the electromagnetic stirrer.

Abstract: In a continuous screw conveyor or auger, the rotatable screw member comprises a helical radial blade (“flighting”) carried on a central driving shaft. The flighting is formed by providing a raw metal strip, generally of uniform thickness, performing optional compression and flaring of the metal strip, and rolling the metal strip between a pair of opposed, preferably offset, conical rolls. In contrast to prior art rolls, the present invention provides on at least one of those rolls a stepped conical rolling surface formed so as to exert a lesser and reducing rolling pressure on an outer portion of the helical blade being formed, thereby to produce a blade in which the outer portion tapers to a thickness which is preferably 125% of the thickness of the ingoing material to provide a greater wear resistant surface, a longer working life to the flighting and improved output performance.

Abstract: A material removal tool is provided. The material removal tool includes a handle that defines a chamber. A linear actuating mechanism is positioned within the chamber of the handle. A blade is rotatable or pivotable relative to the handle. The blade and linear actuating mechanism are coupled together such that the linear actuating mechanism selectively rotates or pivots the blade relative to the handle.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism having a plurality of interconnected rotating drive members having teeth, one of the drive members being a stationary drive member and another of the drive members being a movable intermediate drive member, a first pawl member and a second pawl member movable in alternating reciprocating manner, wherein the stationary drive member is alternatingly rotated in a single direction by movement of the pawl members.

Abstract: Continuously rotating power tong for making the threaded connections (2) of pipes, primarily used for drilling for oil and gas in the petroleum industry. The power tong comprising radially movable jaw sections (22), connected to a driving disc (12), where hydraulic pumps (16, 17) are mounted, the pumps (16, 17) being driven by an endless chain (15) through gears (35) and the chain (15) being driven by motors (18, 19) through gears (27, 28).

Abstract: An attachment arrangement (3, 53, 73, 83, 93) for connection to a first construction (1) and in such a connected state be able to hold a second construction (2) where the arrangement has an axial longitudinal extension and shows a first partial portion (3a, 53a, 73a, 83a, 93a), interactable with the first construction (1), and a second partial portion (3b, 53b, 73b, 83b, 93b), interactable with the second partial portion, said partial portions (3a, 53a, 73a, 83a, 93a, 3b, 53b, 73b, 83b, 93b) being connected to each other only by an action means (4, 54, 74, 84, 94), e.g.

Abstract: A no-slip screwdriver is provided. The present invention comprises a screwdriver having a plurality of protrusions extending perpendicularly from the blade faces. These protrusions bear against the interior walls of a screw head groove, preventing the blade from slipping or skidding when the device is in use. The protrusions increase the width of the screwdriver blade, giving the screwdriver blade less room to move within the screw head. The protrusions of the present invention may be provided in a variety of different configurations, including ridges and nubs. The present invention may further be provided in either flathead or Phillips head variations.

Abstract: A first coupling part interacts with a second coupling part of a tool coupling. The first coupling part has a first body and a conical pin, which extends from the first body along a center axis (x) to an end surface. The conical pin is insertable into a conical seat. The conical pin comprises a cavity, which extends from the end surface and comprises a number of first protuberances, which are separated and arranged at a distance from each other along a circumferential direction in respect to the center axis so that there are formed a corresponding number of first recesses. The first protuberances form a respective first contact surface and interact with a corresponding number of separated, second contact surfaces of a pull member of the second coupling part. The first contact surfaces form an acute angle with the center axis.

Abstract: A blade assembly is provided for use in a wire stripping system, where the blade assembly includes a first blade including a first cutting opening therein, the first opening including a first guide surface on one side of the first opening and a first cutting surface on the opposite side of the first opening, and a second blade including a second cutting opening therein, the second opening including a second guide surface on one side of the second opening and a second cutting surface on the opposite side of the second opening. The blades impart a rotation force on the wire to cause the cutting surfaces to make a depth-controlled circumferential cut in the sheath around the entire wire.

Abstract: A portable device for shaping an edge of an aerofoil comprises a housing, a cutting tool mounted in the housing (the cutting tool having a cutting edge to remove material from the edge) and a plurality of guides mounted in the housing, so that in use the aerofoil engages with the guides to locate the edge of the aerofoil relative to the cutting edge and to permit movement of the housing in a cutting direction so as to remove material from the edge of the aerofoil. The device is characterised in that the cutting tool is mounted so that in use the cutting edge can move relative to the edge of the aerofoil in a direction generally perpendicular to the cutting direction.

Abstract: A paper punch includes a base and a slide board is connected to the base. Multiple punch seats are located on the slide board and above the hole of the base. Each punch seat has a control member and a connection arm connected to the slide board. The control member is pivotably connected to the connection arm. The control member has an eccentric seat and an operation board. The eccentric seat is a cam and eccentrically connected to the connection arm. A first face is defined in the eccentric seat and located in opposite to the operation board. A second face is located adjacent to the first face. When switching the first face to the second face, the punch seat is movable along the slide board so as to obtain a desired distance between the punch seats.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating perforations in wrapping film uses a component that contains a plurality of needle points (or other piercing features) formed along a free-wheeling support bar. The bar is positioned to contact the wrapping film while it is being unrolled and is in a ‘tensioned’ state (in some embodiments, immediately prior to contacting the element to be wrapped). The free-wheeling perforation apparatus contacts a mechanized (driven) film roller such that the exposed needle points rotate against the driven roller and make the perforations in the film as it travels over the film roller. As long as the film roller is formed of a pliable material, the needles will pierce the film and create the desired perforations. The size and placement of needles can be adjusted to provide the required pattern of perforations, as well as dictate the size of the actual perforations.

Abstract: A device for deflecting a detached cutting chain off the drive sprocket of a chain saw in order to deenergize and arrest it. A ramp provides a surface disposed below the chain guide bar, which surface is oblique with respect to the chain guide bar, slightly below a lower edge of the chain guide bar and obliquely angled with respect to a plane that contains the exterior surface of the chain guide bar, and distal to the drive sprocket. Sliding engagement of a detached cutting chain with the oblique surface moves the cutting chain exteriorly away from the chain guide bar and off the drive sprocket. A chain catcher is also provided to arrest the detached cutting chain and/or chain shot portions thereof.

Abstract: To assist in the reuse and repurposing of packaging and others materials, the present disclosure provides an integrated label remover that allows for quick and easy removal of media (e.g., labels, UPC codes) from a box or other packaging material (e.g., a protective envelope). The label remover utilizes a micro blade to score or cut around the label and a larger lifting blade that allows a user to easily detach the edge of the media for removal. The micro blade can cut to a micro layer thickness while preserving the integrity of the box. This micro layer cut provides access to the area between the media and the material, so that the lifting blade can be inserted to disrupt any adhesive or other means of affixation.

Abstract: A reverse die cutting apparatus includes a counter die having at least one receiving aperture disposed thereon in which an insert having a blade is received. The receiving aperture disposed on the counter die is a through aperture having a specific geometric configuration that correlates to a perimeter configuration of the insert. The insert is received in the counter die and the blade portion of the insert is customizable due to a forming process, thereby providing a reverse cut to a substrate in a die converting process.

Abstract: Each of Dampers provided for each of keys is controlled in response to both an operation of a damper pedal and an operation of the corresponding key. For each of the dampers and over one stroke of the pedal in at least one of depressing releasing directions of the pedal, load information indicative of loads imposed on a portion linked to the damper is acquired in association with individual stroke positions of the pedal. Then, for each of the dampers, a half pedal region is identified on the basis of relationship between the stroke positions and the loads corresponding to the stroke positions. The portion linked to the damper may be any suitable portion related to a damper lever moving in an up-down direction in interlocked relation to both of vertical movement of a lifting rail responsive to an operation of the pedal and an operation of the key.

Abstract: For each key and without damping action of dampers deactivated by a damper pedal, loads imposed on a portion of the key acting on the damper are measured while the key is moved over one stroke in at least one of key-depressing and key-releasing directions, in association with a plurality of stroke positions in the one stroke of the key. For each key, a key-damper half region is identified on the basis of relationship between the individual stroke positions and the measured loads corresponding to the stroke positions. Then, on the basis of the key-damper half regions identified for the individual keys, a half point is determined separately for each of the keys, or a half point common to a group of a plurality of the keys is determined.