Abstract: The direct-flow Coriolis mass flowmeter comprises a tensioned section of string, along which a substance to be measured flows, a device for tensioning the section of string, a device for exciting a transverse circular oscillatory movement in the string, two sensors which are spaced apart along the string and which convert the magnitude of a transverse deflection of the string in two mutually perpendicular directions into electrical signals, wherein these signals are coupled to inputs of a microprocessor device which calculates the flowrate as a function of the difference in phases of the signals from the sensors.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive torque sensor includes first to fourth detection coils each wound around a steering axle (a sensor shaft) so as to surround a magnetostrictive film formed on the sensor shaft and a multi-turn winding bias coil that is separated from the first to fourth detection coils and that is wound around the sensor shaft so as to surround the magnetostrictive film. By applying a DC component current to the bias coil, a sufficient bias magnetic field is applied to the magnetostrictive film so that the hysteresis is prevented.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical sensing apparatus for measuring a change in a first property. The optical sensing apparatus comprises first and second optical fibre portions and a sensing region for exposing both the first and second optical fibre portions to a change in an applied force. The force is, or is related to, the first property and has a component that is transversal to the optical fibre portions. The apparatus further comprises a holder for holding the first and second optical fibre portions in the sensing region. The first and second optical fibre portions are arranged relative to each other such that the change in the force results in a first change of an optical property of the first optical fibre portion and in a second change of the optical property of the second optical fibre portion and wherein the first change differs from the second change.

Abstract: A capacitance type sensor includes: a dielectric layer made of a polymer; an elongated front-side electrode placed on a front side of the dielectric layer; an elongated back-side electrode placed on a back side of the dielectric layer; a front-side wiring connected to the front-side electrode; a back-side wiring connected to the back-side electrode; and a plurality of detection portions formed between the front-side electrode and the back-side electrode. Each of the front-side electrode and the back-side electrode has an elongated electrode body containing a binder and a conductive material, and an extended wiring portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the electrode body and having lower volume resistivity than the electrode body, and the front-side wiring and the back-side wiring have lower volume resistivity than the electrode body.

Abstract: A filter device having a sonotrode connected to a filtration assembly. The filtration assembly has a filter body having a fluid passage. The filter body has a filter across the fluid passage. The filter assembly has a resonant frequency and the sonotrode is adapted to vibrate the filter assembly at or near the resonant frequency.

Abstract: A replaceable filter integrated into the front panel accessory interconnect system of a gas sampling system includes a filter body mounted within a housing of the system. The filter body is insertable into a filter receptacle, and removable from the filter receptacle by a twist-lock mechanism. The filter body includes an integral accessory receptacle. An accessory connector is insertably connectable with the accessory receptacle.

Abstract: A sample processing system includes a sample vessel holder including a disk-shaped base section disposed so as to have a central axis extending in a vertical direction and a sample vessel holding section that is formed coaxially with, and above, the base section for holding a sample vessel in an upright posture. A conveyor conveys the sample vessel holder 1 placed thereon; and a holding plate is disposed so as to extend along an outer peripheral portion of a columnar space that has a central axis extending in the vertical direction, and is disposed at a position above a space past which the base section of the sample vessel holder moves along the conveyor and at a position past which at least the sample vessel holding section moves. This enables individual conveyance processing to be performed for each of multiple sample vessels.

Abstract: A system for taking frozen sample cores from frozen biological samples includes a coring bit mount adapted to hold a coring bit and a carriage supporting the coring bit mount. A drive system is adapted to produce relative movement between the carriage and the frozen biological samples for moving the coring bit along a path into the frozen biological samples. A cutting action motor is supported by the carriage and adapted to drive a cutting motion of the coring bit as the drive system drives the coring bit into the frozen biological samples. A targeting system is adapted to direct electromagnetic radiation onto one of the frozen biological samples when the sample is positioned in the path of the coring bit. The electromagnetic radiation is adapted to produce a display on the frozen biological sample indicating where the path of the coring bit intersects the frozen biological sample.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring and detecting ergonomic hot spots associated with movements of subjects are disclosed. For example, data may be collected by way of sensors attached to a plurality of subjects and may be analyzed to determine forces (e.g., vibration, jerks, acceleration, etc.) associated with the movements of the subjects. The analyzed data can be compared to ergonomic conditions to detect the ergonomic hot spots.

Abstract: A shoe insole sensor includes a body including a plurality of recessed regions formed at respective locations corresponding to vertexes of N-polygon, where N is an even number, a plurality of first protrusions formed in odd recessed regions of the recessed regions, where each of the first protrusions has a first height, and a plurality of second protrusions formed in even recessed regions of the recessed regions, where each of the second protrusions has a second height different from the first height. Here, the body is formed with a nonconductive material, each of the first protrusions is formed with a conductive material, and each of the second protrusions is formed with a conductive material.

Abstract: An automated particulate contaminant injection and control module that controls the level of contamination in the hydraulic fluid passing to a component, system or sub-system under test and removes the injected particulates upon return to the parent test stand. Using the pressure and flow of clean hydraulic fluid from the parent test stand, the contamination module prepares a concentrated contaminant slurry and injects it at a rate determined by a feedback signal from an in-line contamination sensor and an internal control algorithm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact linear roller guide which makes it possible to transmit high forces and torques between a carriage (1) and a guide rail (3). The carriage (1) comprises two or more pairs of ribbed rollers (2), rotatably supported on the side walls of the carriage by means of bearings, between which the rail (3) is inserted, with a complementary cross-section, The simultaneous contact of the planar and convex surfaces of the rail (3) with the cylindrical and concave surfaces of the rollers (2) enables uniform distribution of the loads on said bearings and a compact configuration of the guide.

Abstract: A vibratory device comprises a rotor and an eccentric weight. The eccentric weight is mounted to the shaft and has a center of mass that is offset from the shaft axis. The vibratory device is configured such that the eccentric weight is in a first rotational orientation relative to the shaft and rotates with the shaft when the shaft rotates in a first direction about the shaft axis and such that the eccentric weight is in a second rotational orientation relative to the shaft when the shaft rotates in an opposite second direction about the shaft axis. The vibratory device is further configured such that the eccentric weight automatically transitions from the first rotational orientation to the second rotational orientation when the shaft is switched from rotating in the first direction to rotating in the second direction.

Abstract: An actuator includes a drive screw (32), an external tube (34), a stretchable tube (35), and a buffer structure (50). The external tube (34) is sleeved around the drive screw (32) externally. The stretchable tube (35) is passed through and connected to the external tube (34), wherein the stretchable tube (35) has a nut (351) screwed to and driven by the drive screw (32). The buffer structure (50) comprises a positioning member (51) and a buffer unit (52). The positioning member (51) is fixed to the drive screw (32). The buffer unit (52) is sleeved around the drive screw (32) and between the nut (351) and the positioning member (51). Therefore, the impact force generated during the fast falling of the stretchable tube (35) can be absorbed.

Abstract: An electromechanical brake booster includes a hollow spindle and a hollow screw. Courses of thread are produced by deformation from metal and extrusion-coating them together with tubular supporting structures made of plastic. The hollow spindle and the hollow screw are produced as composite components.

Abstract: A linear positioning system is miniaturized by using a low profile guide extrusion supporting a low profile carriage that can be moved along the guide by a drive screw. The guide includes coplanar mounting flanges, C-slots for receiving electric wires, and angled recesses to serve as ways for guiding the carriage. The carriage has an opposed pair of projections fitting the guide ways to allow the carriage to move along the guide, and the drive screw and carriage are arranged closely above the guide profile to contribute to dimensional compactness.

Abstract: A pair of toothed wheels that mesh with each other includes a plateau portion. The surface of the plateau portion is a plateau-structure surface formed on each tooth face of each of the pair of the toothed wheels, with peak portions of convexities, out of a plurality of concavities and the convexities provided on the each tooth face, being flat. A reduced valley depth Rvk of the plateau portion of one of the pair of the toothed wheels as defined in JISB0671-2 is greater than the reduced valley depth Rvk of the plateau portion of the other of the pair of the toothed wheels. The area occupied by the concavities in the plateau portion of the one of the toothed wheels is larger than the area occupied by the concavities in the plateau portion of the other toothed wheel.

Abstract: A transmission system including a first input shaft (1) that is arranged to receive drive directly from a drive source (80), and a second input shaft (3) that is arranged to receive drive from the drive source via a drive interruption means (86), such as a friction clutch device, a first gear element (15) rotatable relative to the first input shaft (1) and a selector assembly (29) for selectively locking the first gear element (15) for rotation with the first input shaft (1) from operational modes that include the following modes: lock the gear element for rotation with the first input shaft in forward and reverse torque directions, lock the gear element for rotation with the first input shaft in the forward torque direction and not lock in the reverse torque direction; and lock the gear element with rotation with the first input shaft in the reverse torque direction and not lock in the forward torque direction. A method of performing a power on down shift is also provided.

Abstract: Shift arrangement for a motor vehicle transmission. At least one gear stage can be engaged and disengaged by means of an associated shift clutch. A spindle which is aligned along a spindle axis, has a spindle thread and is rotatably mounted on a housing. A nut has a nut thread, which is in engagement with the spindle thread. A shift finger is formed on the nut. At least one shift rod is mounted movably on the housing and can be coupled to the shift clutch. Provided on the housing are a radial groove, in which the shift finger engages in an axial base position of the nut and within which the shift finger can be turned, and an axial guide, which axially adjoins the radial groove and in which the shift finger can engage in order to hold the nut in the circumferential direction, thus ensuring that said nut is moved axially in a first axial direction when the spindle is rotated.

Abstract: This face gear has a plurality of annularly arranged gear teeth. A recess for holding grease or another lubricant is formed in the tooth surface of each gear tooth. A recess forming area, which is the area in which the recess is formed, is provided between the tooth bottom and the pitch point in each gear tooth. In other words, a recess is not formed in the part of the tooth surface that is located between the tooth tip and the pitch point. As a result, the gear teeth can be effectively lubricated while minimizing instability in the meshing state between gears.

Abstract: An electronic shift lever includes a case through which a hollow is formed in a longitudinal direction, and a shift lever cover covering the hollow and is connected to the case. A rod housing is located adjacent the bottom of the case where a through-pipe is disposed in a longitudinal direction. A rod is disposed in the through-pipe and slides frontward and rearward. The electronic shift lever further includes a recognition sensor disposed in a longitudinal direction at an inner lower side of the rod housing. Shift stage magnets are arranged in a longitudinal direction spaced apart from a lower side end of the shift lever cover and able to stop the rod temporarily. The electronic shift lever does not protrude to an outside of an automobile console, thereby reducing the risk of a driver injury, and forming an enough space, and to easily recognize a shift stage display.

Abstract: Compact robot with a reduced operational envelope includes a support frame, two robot arm assemblies, and two actuating mechanisms. The support frame includes a top plate and a bottom plate. Each robot arm assembly includes a first arm, a second arm intersecting with the first, and a third arm intersecting with the second. The first arm drives the second arm to move along the first arm, the second arm drives the third arm to move along the second arm. The actuating mechanisms are coupled to the two third arms. Each third arm drives an actuating mechanisms to move along the third arm. A moving direction of each actuating mechanism as driven by the third arm is inclined relative to the driving directions of the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: Three-axes robot without gears or other meshing structures which can operate in restricted environments includes a first arm, a second arm coupled to the first arm, a third arm coupled to the second arm, and an actuating mechanism coupled to the third arm. The first arm is configured to drive the second arm to move along the first arm. The second arm is configured to drive the third arm to move along the second arm. The third arm is configured to drive the actuating mechanism along the third arm, a moving direction of the actuating mechanism when driven by the third arm is inclined relative to a plane parallel to moving directions of the directions of the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: A compact and gearless driving mechanism with a reduced operational envelope includes a support frame and two driving assemblies. The support frame includes a top plate and a bottom plate. Each driving assembly includes a first linear driving module, a second linear driving module intersecting with the first, and a third linear driving module intersecting with the second. The first linear driving module drives the second linear driving module to move along the first linear driving module, the second linear driving module drives the third linear driving module to move along the second linear driving module. A driving direction of each third linear driving module is inclined relative to the driving directions of the first linear driving module and the second linear driving module.

Abstract: Driving mechanism without gears or other meshing structures which can operate in restricted environments includes a first linear driving module, a second linear driving module coupled to the first linear driving module, and a third linear driving module coupled to the second linear driving module. The first linear driving module is configured to drive the second linear driving module to move along the first linear driving module. The second linear driving module is configured to drive the third linear driving module to move long the second linear driving module. A driving direction of the third linear driving module is inclined relative to a plane parallel to directions of the first and second linear driving modules.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a cable pulling device used in a parking mode manually releasing device for an shift-by-wire type automatic transmission. The cable pulling device includes: a base; a lever connected rotatably relative to the base, the lever to which a cable is connected; a bar member; and a spring member. The spring member is arranged between the lever and the bar member and is provided to pressurize the bar member toward the base. The cable is pulled by standing up of the lever.

Abstract: A brake pedal assembly includes an assembly frame, a pedal arm pivotally carried by the assembly frame, a booster input rod, a booster washer carried by the booster input rod, a rod actuating element carried by the pedal arm and engaging the booster input rod and a biasing device interposed between the booster washer and the rod actuating element.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a vehicle pedal from being pushed rearward upon a head-on collision of the vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a collision bracket that is fixedly installed on a dash panel and a pedal arm formed by bending a plate along a predetermined reference line to form a cavity in a lengthwise direction thereof. A rotating member is disposed at an end of the pedal arm and strikes one side of the pedal arm upon colliding with the collision bracket, to rotate in a direction toward the inside of a vehicle and to release the pedal arm. A supporting bracket rotatably supports the pedal arm and the rotating member. The rotating member includes a coupling aperture upon which the supporting bracket is hinged and a plurality of arms which are oriented in different directions with respect to the coupling aperture.

Abstract: A device for ventilating a transmission includes a first component configured for fixed arrangement on the transmission and a second component configured for movable arrangement on an outer side of a transmission housing of the transmission. The first and second components are connected to one another by a joint which permits a movement of the first and second components relative to one another. A pipeline extends along the first and second components and has first and second ends for an air exchange, with the first end of the pipeline arranged on the first component and with the second end of the pipeline arranged on the second component. The second component has a center of gravity which is located opposite to the second end of the pipeline in relation to a connecting point between the joint and the second component.

Abstract: A hybrid drive device having a clutch that engages and disengages an output member of an internal combustion engine and an input shaft of an automatic transmission device with and from each other. A rotary electric machine has a stator fixed to a case and a rotor coupled to the input shaft of the automatic transmission device. The rotary electric machine is disposed radially outwardly of the clutch so as to at least partially overlap the clutch in an axial direction as seen from a radial direction. Lubricating oil is supplied from the input shaft of the automatic transmission device to the clutch and the hybrid drive device includes a shield portion that allows the lubricating oil to bypass the rotary electric machine and leads the lubricating oil supplied to the clutch to an oil reservoir.

Abstract: A starter (1) includes a motor unit (3), an output shaft (4) configured to receive a rotational force of the motor unit (3) and rotate, a pinion gear (74) (a pinion mechanism) helically engageable with a ring gear (23) of an engine, a clutch mechanism (5) configured to transmit the rotational force of the output shaft (4) to the pinion gear (74), and an electromagnetic device (9) configured to bias a pressing force toward the ring gear (23) to the clutch mechanism (5) and the pinion gear (74), wherein a plunger spring (91) (a backlash absorption mechanism) configured to bring one end (81a) (a point of action) of a plunger inner part (81) in constant elastic contact with the clutch mechanism (5) is installed at the electromagnetic device (9).

Abstract: The inside of a case of a rotary table device is divided into a first space and a second space. The pressure of the first space is regulated to a pressure higher than the pressure of the second space during a steady state. The relationship between the pressures is reversed at a certain timing, to make the pressure of the second space higher than the pressure of the first space. Such operation can forcibly close a check valve disposed between the first space and the second space on regular basis, thereby preventing a malfunction of the check valve.

Abstract: Iron and molybdenum containing pellets and a process for producing the pellets are disclosed. A green pellet is produced from mixing an iron containing powder, a molybdenum oxide powder, and a carbonaceous powder. The green pellets can be reduced at a temperature in the range of 400-1500° C. The pellets can be briquetted.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench comprises a handle. At least one end of the handle is provided with a straight claw (2) and an oblique claw (1), which form a wrench jaw by a certain angle. The straight claw is provided with an adjusting slider (4) capable of moving along the length direction of the straight claw and the adjusting slider comprises an oblique face (41) in action with a nut, and the oblique face is parallel to the inner surface (11) of the oblique claw forming the wrench jaw. The adjustable wrench retains advantages of a solid wrench which is precise in the opening size and not easy to slip, and solves the problem that the opening width of the existing solid wrench cannot be adjusted. Meanwhile, the adjustable wrench completely retains the advantage of the existing adjustable wrench which is continuously adjustable in the opening width, and solves the problems that since a shifting wheel and a rack are easy to abrade, slipping is easy to occur or nuts can be damaged.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a body having first and second surfaces spaced from each other in a height direction. A marking unit is formed on the first surface and includes a groove formed in the first surface of the body. The groove includes a bottom face spaced from the first surface of the body in the height direction. An embossed character protrudes from the bottom face towards the first surface and has a stepped portion to provide a clear indication effect.

Abstract: A combination screwdriver includes a handle having a receiving chamber, a fixed plate secured in the receiving chamber of the handle, a push button movably mounted in the receiving chamber of the handle, a compression spring mounted in the receiving chamber of the handle and biased between the fixed plate and the push button, a tool holder movably mounted in the receiving chamber of the handle and holding a plurality of tips, and a restoring spring mounted in the receiving chamber of the handle and biased between the fixed plate and the tool holder. Thus, the tool holder is sprung outward and partially protruded from the handle by pressing the push button to expose the tips for selection of the user so that the user can take and operate the tips easily and quickly.

Abstract: A pneumatic ratchet wrench includes a transmission mechanism (200) having a transmission shaft (210) with a driving end (211) and a transmitting end (212) extended from the driving end (211), a clutch seat (240) and two hammer rings (250), a pneumatic motor (300) and a ratchet joint (400). Two opposite anvils (220) are formed on the driving end (211), and an eccentric shaft (230) is axially protruded from the transmitting end (212). The clutch seat (240) is rotably sheathed on the driving end (211) and has two parallel limit pins 241, and the hammer rings (250) are installed to the limit pins (241) and corresponsive to the anvils (220) respectively. The pneumatic motor (300) is coupled to the clutch seat (240) for driving and rotating the clutch seat (240). The ratchet joint (400) is coupled to the eccentric shaft (230) and driven by the transmission shaft (210).

Abstract: An electronic torque wrench including a wrench body, a wrench head configured to engage a workpiece, a first sensor producing a first output signal, that is proportional to an amount of torque being applied to the workpiece, a grip handle, a second sensor producing a second output signal that is proportional to an amount of rotation being applied to the workpiece, a user interface including an input device for inputting a preset torque value, and a processor for converting the first output signal into a current torque value, comparing the current torque value to the preset torque value, and converting the second output signal into a first angle value through which the workpiece has been rotated after the current torque value exceeds the preset torque value.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining a workpiece has a housing having a vertical front wall and a first vertical side wall generally perpendicular thereto, respective first front and side vertical guides on the front and first side walls, and a first vertical slide extending along the front and first side walls. First front and side formations on the first vertical slide engage the first front and side guides for vertical movement of the first vertical slide relative to the housing. A first spindle unit adapted to hold the workpiece is carried on the first vertical slide, and a tool holder adapted to hold tools in a first work station is provided below the first vertical slide so that the spindle unit can engage the workpiece with a one of the tools in the work station.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to a method of cutting or shearing tow fibers, bundles thereof, and/or other materials or bundles thereof. The method comprises rotating a drum comprising a cutting assembly comprising a cutting device about a longitudinal axis of a drive shaft, reciprocally moving a portion of the cutting assembly comprising the cutting device in a direction parallel to or transverse to the longitudinal axis as the cutting assembly is rotated about the longitudinal axis, rotating the cutting device at least 1,000 times per minute), and cutting or shearing the tow fibers, bundles thereof, and/or other materials or bundles thereof with the cutting device.

Abstract: A press device includes a base assembly having a base die component configured to form a workpiece and a punch assembly movable relative to the base assembly during a pressing operation. The punch assembly has at least one punch die component pressing the workpiece to form the workpiece. The punch die component includes a main body having a workpiece engagement surface configured to engage the workpiece formed by the base assembly and the punch assembly. The punch die component having a vibration generator operatively coupled to the main body. The vibration generator causes the main body of the die component to vibrate at a high frequency during the pressing operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-soluble metal-working oil agent, including a component A, a component B, a component C, and a component D, wherein the component A is an ester compound which has a characteristic temperature, as measured in accordance with JIS K2242, of 570° C. or higher and which is contained in the water-soluble metal-working oil agent in an amount of 10 mass % or more with respect to the entire amount of the agent; the component B is at least one condensed fatty acid which is selected from a condensed fatty acid (1), produced through dehydration condensation of a hydroxycarboxylic acid, and a condensed fatty acid (2), produced through dehydration condensation of an alcoholic hydroxyl group of the condensed fatty acid (1) with a monovalent carboxylic acid, which has a characteristic temperature, as measured in accordance with JIS K2242, of 650° C. or higher, and which is contained in the water-soluble metal-working oil agent in an amount of 7.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to a cutting apparatus comprising a drive shaft having a longitudinal axis, a drum configured to orbit the longitudinal axis when driven by the drive shaft, a first actuator, and a cutting assembly joined to the drum and configured to orbit the longitudinal axis with the drum. The cutting assembly comprises a second actuator operably engaged with a portion of the cutting assembly, and a cutting device driven by the second actuator. The second actuator is configured to rotate the cutting device at least 1,500 revolutions per minute during cutting of an article. The first actuator is operably engaged with a portion of the cutting assembly and is configured to reciprocate the cutting device in directions substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis as the cutting assembly orbits the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a corrugated paperboard box making machine, which comprises: a slotter for slotting a corrugated paperboard sheet to form slots, a die-cutter disposed downstream of the slotter, the die-cutter including a die cylinder with a punching die and an anvil cylinder; a cutting blade for cutting, in cooperation with the anvil cylinder, the corrugated paperboard sheet slotted by the slotter, into two small-size corrugated paperboard sheets, along a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction; and a lifting and lowering mechanism for lifting and lowering the cutting blade in such a manner as to allow a position of the cutting blade with respect to a corrugated paperboard sheet being passing through the anvil cylinder to be changed between a cutting position where the cutting blade is permitted to cut the corrugated paperboard sheet, and a non-cutting position where the cutting blade is precluded from cutting the corrugated paperboard sheet.

Abstract: A device, comprising: a base plate configured to be moveable toward and back from a metal rule having at least one flanged side, wherein the metal rule is fed into the device along a metal rule feeding path; a first plate coupled to the base plate, the first plate including a plurality of cutter holes formed on its surface; a plurality of cutting elements configured to engage the corresponding plurality of cutter holes on the first plate to make cuts on the at least one flanged side of the metal rule.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a substrate and an apparatus for cutting a substrate using the same are provided. In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for aligning a substrate comprises a stage on which the substrate is seated and reference pins provided to project from an upper surface of the stage. Each reference pin has a substrate support surface which supports one side of the substrate. An upper end of the substrate support surface is formed so as to project further toward the substrate than a lower end thereof.

Abstract: A cutter prevents movement of a harness being cut. The cutter includes: a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member whose axial ends face each other, with a predetermined distance therebetween, and sandwich the harness in the axial direction; and a blade accommodated in the first cylindrical member to be slidable in the axial direction and including a cutting portion on a front side and a pusher on a back side. The first cylindrical member includes a back side tapered portion and a front side tapered portion at which an inner diameter of the first cylindrical member on an inner surface where the pusher slides is gradually reduced from a back side to a front side.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method providing an improved blade design and arrangement for a mobile shear. The blades in the upper and lower jaws of the shear may be removable, reversible and interchangeable, thereby providing the user with the ability to increase the life of the blades by rotating them when excessive wear is realized on the exposed edges.

Abstract: A training aid for playing a stringed instrument of the type having a neck and a fingerboard for assisting an instrument player in the proper placement of the thumb on the back of the instrument neck while playing the instrument, said training aid comprising: (a) a solid piece positioned on the back of the neck of the instrument against which said instrument player's thumb will be positioned; (b) an attachment to the solid piece, wherein said attachment enables said solid piece to be added to the back of the instrument's neck or removed from the back of the instrument's neck. The instrument may be a guitar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor device (2) for measuring a movement and/or a vibration of at least one object of interest, in particular for musical instruments, said device comprising (i) at least two excitation inductance coils (11, 12) electrically connected to at least one electric excitation source, and capable of generating excitation magnetic fluxes, and (ii) at least one measuring inductance coil (13), electrically connected to electrical measuring means capable of measuring induced electrical signals, (iii) a magnetic circuit (10) magnetically connecting the excitation coils (11, 12) and measuring (13) coils, and comprising a measuring area (17) wherein the presence of objects of interest affects magnetic fluxes coming from excitation coils (11, 12) and passing through said measuring coil or coils (13), and (iv) excitation coils (11, 12) arranged in such a way as to generate, in the absence of an object of interest in the measuring area (17), magnetic fluxes which substantially cancel each