Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention provides an autoinjector that has one or more slip-resistant features. In certain embodiments, the exterior surface of the autoinjector housing forms at least one of indentures and protrusions that impart a slip-resistant texture to the housing of the autoinjector. In other embodiments, the one or more slip-resistant features are included on a label, which comprises a label substrate and is attached to the exterior surface of the housing of the autoinjector. The features are designed to improve the handling properties of the autoinjector and reduce the likelihood that the autoinjector will slip out of a user's or caregiver's hand during use.

Abstract: In an implementation of this invention, a stringed musical instrument has a resonator comprised of a bridge and a soundboard. Vibrations from the strings are transmitted through the bridge to the soundboard. A plurality of sensors are attached to or embedded in the soundboard. The sensors measure primarily the vibrations of the soundboard, rather than primarily the vibrations of the strings. Preferably, three or more sensors are used. Piezoelectric sensors sample vibrations in the soundboard. The resonator includes a printed circuit board that amplifies the signal from each sensor separately. Also, a signal processing device that is “onboard” the musical instrument processes the separate input signals to create one output signal. The resonator may be easily removed, enabling resonators to be interchanged. Also, the physical characteristics of a particular resonator, such as its mass or its boundary condition, may be adjusted, thereby changing the acoustic qualities of the soundboard.

Abstract: A coated string for a stringed device which includes a coating applied to the surface of the string. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the string and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated string.

Abstract: A plate assembly as herein disclosed can be constructed to be used in place of the plate assembly in any piano. It is constructed primarily of composite material and replaces the conventional cast iron plate or plate assembly. The assembly has better shape and dimensional stability under the influences of time, temperature variation and moisture, and is lighter weight and lower cost. These features allow use of a lighter weight piano frame. The net results are that a piano having optimum performance is more readily transported, its manufacturing and maintenance costs are less and the effects of time, temperature variation and moisture are minimal. The plate structure comprises specially designed and joined composite material elements, arranged to take best advantages of the characteristics of composite materials applied to serve the functional/structural purposes of piano plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular frame construction for string instruments. Instead of making the frame of the string instrument in one piece, the frame according to this invention is assembled from a number of modules which each comprise a longitudinal tubular member of square cross-section on which strings are supported under tension.

Abstract: In a piano a panel, which takes the place of the usual cast iron string plate or frame, is provided for supporting the strings. The panel is a sandwich construction making it exceptionally strong and capable of withstanding the string loads without bending or otherwise yielding and without requiring auxiliary support such as the massive wooden backs or trusses to which cast iron string plates are usually attached. The string panel has a relatively thick low modulus of elasticity core layer, a portion of which is made of laminated hard wood to serve as a pin block, and relatively thin layers of high modulus of elasticity material, such as steel, bonded to the core layer. If desired the string panel may be used as the main frame of the piano to which other major components, such as the soundboard, key bed, side cheeks, housing and feet, are directly attached.

Abstract: A piano plate is provided, preferably on the top surface thereof, with a fine rugged pattern comprised of a number of shallow recesses of various shapes and dimensions for betterment of its resonance characteristics responding to vibrations of a wide variety of frequencies, particularly to vibrations in the treble range, and, when required, for enrichment of aesthetic effect. The vacuum process is advantageously used for manufacturing thereof thanks to its smooth flow of molten metal at casting and easy removal of the cast product from the associated mold.