A monolithic integration of phase change material (PCM) switches with a MEMS resonator is provided to implement switching and reconfiguration functionalities. MEMS resonator includes a piezoelectric material to control terminal connections to the electrodes. The PCM is operable between an ON state and an OFF state by application of heat, which causes the phase change material to change from an amorphous state to a crystalline state or from a crystalline state to an amorphous state, the amorphous state and the crystalline state each associated with one of the ON state and the OFF state. A method of fabricating the MEMS resonator with phase change material is provided. A reconfigurable filter system using the MEMS resonators is also provided.

A piezoelectric vibrating piece includes a vibrating piece body including a vibrator and at least one pair of excitation electrodes formed on a front surface and a back surface of the vibrator. The vibrating piece body is a twice rotated quartz-crystal vibrating piece. The pair of excitation electrodes are arranged in a Z'″-axis direction determined by an X'″-axis and obliquely disposed with respect to the Y″-axis direction. The X'″-axis is rotated by 260° to 300° counterclockwise about a Y″-axis using a +X″-axis direction as a reference. The pair of excitation electrodes are formed to have respective semicircle shapes including straight line portions extending in the X'″-axis direction and to be disposed in a state where the straight line portions overlapping with one another. The straight line portion of the excitation electrode includes an inclined portion that gradually decreases in thickness toward an end portion of the excitation electrode.

In an elastic wave device, a piezoelectric substrate is stacked on a support substrate and an IDT electrode is provided on the piezoelectric substrate. Wiring line portions are provided on the piezoelectric substrate. A first hollow portion is provided in the support substrate at least below at least one of the wiring line portions and or below a region between the wiring line portions.

Cycling shorts for protecting a rider from harmful effects occasioned by the design of the substantially unpadded seat of a racing-type cycle. Fabric shorts of conventional or elongated design include a interior protective pad. The pad includes adjoined seat and crotch sections and is symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry. It includes an interior chamber for receiving pressurized air. A pump for delivering selectively pressurized air communicates with the interior chamber by means of a conduit. The chamber includes internally honeycombed sections for minimizing air flow so that the cushioning effect of the pad is preserved despite the force exerted by the weight of a wearer on the hard and relatively-inflexible seat.

An impact sensing device including a plurality of accelerometers orthogonally oriented with respect to each other and attachable at a body location, each capable of producing a signal indicative of an impact. An integrated circuit is configured to determine the magnitude and direction of the impact based on the signals and operative to activate an indicator when the magnitude exceeds a selected threshold based on the direction of the impact. A head injury coefficient is determined based on the magnitude and a duration of the impact, and the threshold level of acceleration is expressed in terms of a head injury coefficient value. The head injury coefficient value is determined by empirically correlating a head injury coefficient measured at the body location and a head injury coefficient measured at the center of mass of a human head resulting from an impact.

The present disclosure refers to an elasticized structure and a method for making such an elasticized structure. The elasticized structure, includes a first piece and at least one second piece. The first piece is superimposed and fixed onto the second piece in at least a first fixing zone and at least a second fixing zone. The second piece is at least partially made of an elastic material and has an internal zone comprised between the first fixing zone and the second fixing zone. The elasticized structure is able to assume a tensioned position and a rest position. In the rest position, the first piece has a hump comprised between the first fixing zone and the second fixing zone and flat parts alongside said first fixing zone and said second fixing zone, respectively.

A fabric assembly attachable to the front side of a men's underwear and a men's underwear having such a fabric assembly are described. The fabric assembly has layers of fabrics having linear slots perpendicular to each other so that the wearer can take his genital organ out through the intersection of the linear slots. The peripheries of the fabric layers are elastically stitched together to make a fabric assembly. The fabric layers have sufficient rigidity such that the linear slots do not open under the pressure of the genital organ, unless the wearer uses his hands to open the slots. The fabric assembly may also have a flap on the inside or outside of the fabric layers. One or two sides of the flap may be attached to the men's underwear and the other sides may not be attached to permit easy opening of the flap by hand.

A personal protection device for protecting a user is described. The personal protection device can have an inflatable member having an internal chamber that can be inflated or deflated according to predetermined conditions.

The invention relates to an item of clothing, in particular to be worn during sports such as jogging, skating, cycling or similar. Said item of clothing is made of at least one yarn (3) that comprises a heat-reflecting covering (5).

The disclosure provides a medical compression stocking applicator having an elongate member which has a pair of opposed sidewalls and an interconnecting wall and therefore may be substantially U-shaped in cross-section and is open at each end. The elongate member also includes a heel opening between the ends of the elongate member. The heel opening extends entirely through the elongate member, and is adapted to support a person's heel during application of a stocking.

An energy absorbing receiving glove constructed with a substrate having an exterior surface and a complementary interior surface. The substrate is used in constructing a palmar portion of the glove. The glove may incorporates a gripping layer of material affixed to the exterior surface of the substrate. Further, the glove may incorporate an energy absorbing layer of material affixed to the interior surface of the substrate. Additionally, the energy absorbing layer of material may have both a first thickness in a first location and a second thickness in a second location of the substrate. In an embodiment, the energy absorbing material is a silicone gel and the gripping material is a silicone material. Additionally, the varied thicknesses of the energy absorbing material may be effective for covering a palmar side of joints located on a hand wearing the glove.

The present invention relates to a visor cap. It is an aim of the present invention to provide a visor cap which can widen a sun blocking area through variable visors and which enables a wearer to adjust the sun-blocking area while improving wearing comfort. To accomplish the aim, provided is a visor cap including a main body, a fixed visor, and a pair of variable visors hinged to both sides of an upper surface or a lower surface of the fixed visor, so as to vary the sun-blocking area, wherein each of the pair of variable visors includes: a first variable visor portion which is made of a textile material and one side of which is fixed at an edge of the fixed visor; and a second variable visor portion which is made of a synthetic resin material and which is coupled to the other side of the first variable visor portion. The visor cap of the present invention is advantageous in that it enables a wearer to adjust the sun-blocking area if needed, and is prevented from contacting the skin of the wearer, thus improving is wearing comfort while expanding the sun-blocking area.

Wraps for swaddling babies are provided that include a body having a base side. The wrap can further include two arms that are attached to the base side of the body of the wrap. The arms can extend outward in an opposite direction to one another along the base side of the body of the wrap. Related methods of using the wrap are also provided.

A control system for automatically switching power between two separate light sources integrated with a welding shield pivotally mounted to an adjustable headband includes at least one magnetic positional switch attached to the headband having electrical communication with at least one battery and the light sources, and two magnetic positional sensors strategically mounted on the interior surface of the welding shield along a defined arcurate path of rotation of the shield about the headband.

An adapter frame assembly is provided to receive and support an extra-large 110 mm×110 mm ADF, safety lens and diopter within the viewing window of an existing welding helmet. The adapter frame assembly provides for replacement of the safety lens without removing the ADF and installation or removal of a diopter without removing the safety lens or diopter. The ADF, safety lens and diopter are all easy to install and change.

A method and system for controlling ventilation in a welding helmet is provided. The invention may be adapted to a wide variety of system types, and may reduce or eliminate the need for a shroud or barrier around the head and neck of the welder, of the type used in PAPR systems. The airflow system includes forward and rearward air streams, directed onto the face of the welder, onto the top of the head of the welder, and toward the back of the head of the welder. The air streams help to cool the welder, provide a fresh source of air for breathing, and create a positive pressure system that reduces or excludes entrainment of contaminated external air into the forwardly directed air flow. Certain embodiments may include streams that are filtered, split or redirected via deflectors and conduits to achieve the aforementioned goals.

A footwear remover has a platform elevated above the ground, with one or more recesses in the platform for removing footwear. The platform provides sufficient surface area to allow a user to place an unshoed, clean foot away from where a soiled shoe was previously positioned. In one embodiment, the footwear remover may be mounted to a suspending surface and used as a drying and storage rack for footwear. The footwear remover may optionally include hanging features for drying and hanging accessory items.

A hand ice skating mechanism in conjunction with an athletic protective mechanism utilizing a glove portion including a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion includes a blade retaining portion and a blade assembly in communication with the blade retaining portion.

A first input section is used for inputting first tone data, and a first output section is connected to the first input section via a first path. A second input section is used for inputting second tone data, and a second output section is connected to the second input section via a second path. A tone processing module performs tone processing on the tone data, and a processor is configured to insert the tone processing module into the first and second paths in response to selection of first and second modes, respectively. The tone processing module performs the tone processing on the first tone data in the first mode, and performs the tone processing on the second tone data in the second mode. The above allows connection of the module to be set easily in response to the selected mode.

Presented is a method for controlling an electronic stringed instrument. Embodiments of electrical stringed instruments according to the present invention can be actual stringed instruments or virtual representations of stringed instruments. The methods provide a way in which to teach and play electronic stringed instruments which allow a novice musician to focus on a small portion of playing of a stringed instrument while maintaining overall musicality and ability to play the instrument.

According to some aspects, a cymbal system is provided, comprising a cymbal, and a vibrational transducer magnetically coupled to the cymbal, the magnetic coupling provided by at least one magnetic component on an upper side of the cymbal and at least one magnetic component on a lower side of the cymbal. According to some aspects, a method for transducing vibrations of a cymbal is provided, comprising magnetically coupling a vibrational transducer to a cymbal, the magnetic coupling provided by at least one magnetic component on an upper side of the cymbal and at least one magnetic component on a lower side of the cymbal.

An acoustic effect impartment apparatus for use in a piano including a plurality of keys, a plurality of strings provided in corresponding relation to the keys and a plurality of hammers each responsive to an operation of any one of the keys to strike the string corresponding to the key. The acoustic effect impartment apparatus comprising at least one elongate member disposed near at least one of the plurality of strings. The elongate member movable by means of a first actuator between a retracted configuration in which the elongate member is disengaged away from the at least one of the plurality of strings and an imparted configuration wherein the elongate member is imparted against the at least one of the plurality of strings, and the first actuator can be actuated by a piano player such that the elongate member is imparted against the at least one of the plurality of strings as said piano player strikes a key associated therewith.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a mounting system for pivotal coupling to an instrument, the mounting system including a tuner, a ball element outwardly extending from the tuner, and a socket element having a wall defining a socket in communication with a wall opening; whereby the socket is configured to pivotally receive at least a portion of the ball element via the wall opening to pivotally couple the ball element to the socket element.

A stringed musical instrument including a body in which a cutaway is formed, wherein the body includes a back board on which at least one brace is provided so as to extend in a width direction of the back board, and wherein a first brace, which is the closest to the cutaway among the at least one brace, has a dimension in the width direction of the back board smaller than a width of the back board at a position of the back board at which the first brace is fixed, the first brace being fixed to the back board so as to be disposed nearer to one side of the back board than another side thereof on which the cutaway is formed.

A bow includes: a stick, a bow head at a front end of the stick, a frog at a tail end of the stick; and a bow hair tightly connected between the bow head and the frog. The bow further includes: a first hair binding terminal and a second hair binding terminal, respectively for mounting two ends of the bow hair; a locking screw, for fixing the first hair binding terminal at the bow head by rotating tight, and releasing the fixed first hair binding terminal by rotating loose; and a cover, slidably provided on the frog, wherein the cover slides back and forth to detachably fix the second hair binding terminal in the frog.

The present invention provides a bowed string instrument that allows a player to hold it in a stable manner and to handle a bow and strings without much effect. A bowed string instrument 1 has a body 102, a shoulder pad 103 connected to the body 102, a body receiver 106 disposed below the body 102 so as to receive a load of the body, and an operative joint portion 107 coupling the body 102 and the body receiver 106 to each other while allowing the body 102 to be slidable on a spherical surface. The body 102 includes a fingerboard 105, a plurality of strings 104 extending above the fingerboard 105, and a pair of bridges for supporting and tensioning the plurality of strings 104 above the fingerboard 105.

A content server generates sponsored audio including procedurally generated background music. The content server obtains reference music features describing musicological characteristics of reference songs as well as sponsored audio information received from a third-party. The content server determines music generation parameters based on the sponsored audio information and based on a music model mapping the reference music features to music generation parameters. The music model may incorporate machine learning techniques to improve the mapping. The content server generates background music by using the determined music generation parameters as input to a procedural music algorithm, and generates sponsored audio by combining the generated background music concurrently with an audio voiceover obtained from the sponsored audio information. The sponsored audio is provided to a client device, which presents the sponsored audio to a user.

The Invention is designed so that it is comfortable to hold, and easy to play for long periods of time without becoming fatigued. There are two different designs that the invention can utilize. Both designs provide for an instrument that is compact, making it comfortable for the musician to reach various parts of the fingerboard while still providing a normal scale fretboard. The first design features one neck, shaped to look like the letter Z. The neck is actually composed of three sections: The first section contains the lower notes of the fretboard, while the second section contains the higher notes. Between these two sections sits a connecting strut that connects the strings via an additional string saddle. This design thus produces uses two separate fretboard areas that are easy to reach, providing comfortable access to a full scale of notes. The second design includes two wholly separate necks, similar to a double neck guitar. (1) One neck is normal length and is meant to be used to play the higher notes of the scale. The musician has the option to play the lower notes on this neck, as well. To make the lower notes easier to reach, another neck is included just below the first neck. The second neck is either placed further up the body horizontally, or is undersized, making the lower frets closer to the body of the musician. The second neck's bridge is located on the back of the instrument, thus providing a regular string length, and thus a full scale of notes. This design is similar to that of portable guitars, but goes a step further. Instead of replacing the head stock of the instrument with a back mounted bridge, (2) or using a removable neck, (3) the placement of the neck is moved further up the body horizontally. Like some portable instruments, the bridge is mounted on the back side, but for different reasons. In the invention, the bridge is moved much further up the back of the instrument, allowing either the neck to be placed further up the body on the front side, or an undersized neck to be used, thus keeping a full scale of notes on the fretboard. The lower notes of this neck are easier to reach than a normal positioned neck. The higher notes of this neck will be hard to reach, but can be utilized by musicians for some applications, most notably slide playing, and harmonic effects. For others, the first neck will be used for playing on higher frets.Additionally, both instrument designs utilize a curved underside, conforming to the shape of the leg, thus providing for comfortable sitting playing.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to automatically identifying structures of a music stream. A segment structure may be generated that visually indicates repeating segments of a music stream. To generate a segment structure, a feature that corresponds to a music attribute from a waveform corresponding to the music stream is extracted from a waveform, such as an input signal. Utilizing a signal segmentation algorithm, such as a Variable Markov Oracle (VMO) algorithm, a symbolized signal, such as a VMO structure, is generated. From the symbolized signal, a matrix is generated. The matrix may be, for instance, a VMO-SSM. A segment structure is then generated from the matrix. The segment structure illustrates a segmentation of the music stream and the segments that are repetitive.

A system for remotely generating sound from a musical instrument includes a calibration system to improve the quality of the sound produced by the musical instrument. In one embodiment, the system includes an input configured to receive a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, an exciter for converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, a coupling interface for coupling the mechanical vibrations into a second musical instrument, and a calibration system for altering the signal sent to the exciter.

A method, computer program product, and system for automatically tuning a stringed instrument. An initial height of a first string of an instrument having a plurality of strings and a floating bridge is determined. The height of the plurality of strings is determined using a bridge sensor. The floating bridge is locked. A frequency of the first string is analyzed. In response to determining the frequency of the first string does not match a predetermined frequency, a tuning peg servo motor to adjust a tuning peg, thereby adjusting a string tension of the first string. The one or more bridge servo motors adjusts a spring tension until the spring tension of the one or more springs equals the string tension of the first string. In response to determining the first string is tuned, the floating bridge is unlocked.

A method, computer program product, and system for automatically tuning a stringed instrument. An initial height of a first string of an instrument having a plurality of strings and a floating bridge is determined. The height of the plurality of strings is determined using a bridge sensor. The floating bridge is locked. A frequency of the first string is analyzed. In response to determining the frequency of the first string does not match a predetermined frequency, a tuning peg servo motor to adjust a tuning peg, thereby adjusting a string tension of the first string. The one or more bridge servo motors adjusts a spring tension until the spring tension of the one or more springs equals the string tension of the first string. In response to determining the first string is tuned, the floating bridge is unlocked.

A method for converting textual messages to musical messages comprising receiving a text input and receiving a musical input selection. The method includes analyzing the text input to determine text characteristics and analyzing a musical input corresponding to the musical input selection to determine musical characteristics. Based on the text characteristic and the musical characteristic, the method includes correlating the text input with the musical input to generate a synthesizer input, and sending the synthesizer input to a voice synthesizer. The method includes receiving a vocal rendering of the text input from the voice synthesizer and generating a musical message from the vocal rendering and the musical input. The method includes generating a video element based on a video input, incorporating the video element into the musical message, and outputting the musical message including the video element.

A method and system for teaching oneself to learn to play a string instrument and master it by analyzing one's real-time hand/finger movement/technique/form, enabling oneself to progress and correct one's own mistakes simultaneously. In one aspect, a system for learning to play a string instrument is provided that includes a simulation instrument that includes a plurality of strings, wherein at least one of the strings includes at least one-touch sensing sensor thereon in communication with at least one processor to receive a signal from the at least one touch-sensing sensor and determine therefrom when and where on the at least one string a user applies pressure to the at least one string.

An acoustic drum kit including a bass drum, a snare drum and a hi-hat stand, the base drum including two parts that are movable with respect to one another between a spaced-apart position, in which the snare drum is fixed removably to the bass drum and to the hi-hat stand such that the drum kit is in a playing configuration, and a compact position, in which the snare drum and the hi-hat stand are housed inside the bass drum, between the two parts thereof, such that the drum kit is in a storage and transport configuration.

A delay time counter in a DSP cyclically counts a sampling clock from zero to a delay time sampling count and issues a delay time interrupt to a CPU each time the sampling clock count reaches the delay time sampling count. The CPU measures a time difference between each time the DSP issues the delay time interrupt and each time sequence clock interrupts occur a number of times corresponding to the delay time. Then, in order to reduce this time difference, the CPU increases or decreases a maximum count that is set to the sequence clock counter. Therefore, in the next delay process, the shift between the time by which the automatic performance is advanced by the CPU (which is equal to the delay time) and the timing of the delay process executed by the DSP (which is also equal in length to the delay time) will be corrected.

A stringed instrument bow includes an elongated stick (102) having a head (110) and a frog (112) holding a ribbon of bow hair (108). The head and frog are configured such that bow hair (108) held under tension between the head and the frog forms a longitudinally twisted ribbon as held.

A system consisting of one or more components that enables the playing of a stringed instrument by contacting one or more strings of the instrument in such a manner as to cause the frequency emitted to change when the string is mechanically agitated so as to vibrate.

A drum assembly includes a drum, a stimulus processor assembly and a Tesla coil. The stimulus processor assembly receives a stimulus, generates an input signal, and converts the input signal to an output signal. The Tesla coil receives the output signal from the stimulus processor assembly. The Tesla coil emits an electrical discharge in response to the output signal. The electrical discharge occurs at least partially within the drum interior. The stimulus processor assembly uses a conversion algorithm to convert the input signal to an output signal. The Tesla coil can be positioned inside or outside of a drum interior of the drum. A discharge router can send the electrical discharge from the Tesla coil to the drum interior. The electrical discharge can have an intensity that is correlative to the decibel level of the stimulus. The stimulus can be generated by the drum or by a source remote from the drum.

A snare drum attachment is disclosed. A mounted body is mounted to the snare drum and houses a first magnet. A moveable body is coupled to the mounted body. The moveable body is configured to retain tensioned snares a set distance from a snare head of the snare drum. The moveable body houses a second magnet magnetically coupled to the first magnet so as to generate a magnetic force. A manual actuator is coupled to the first magnet. Actuation of the manual actuator alters the magnetic force so as to displace the moveable body relative to the mounted body. The displacement changes the set distance of the tensioned snares from the snare head.

[Problem] To provide a marching drum which ensures forwards and downwards visibility and ensures the field of view during marching. [Solution] [Effect] By eliminating all or some members of the body of the drum, or by adopting transparent members, this marching drum which enables forwards and downwards visibility ensures the performer's field of view during marching.

A system for remotely generating sound from a musical instrument includes a linear exciter which may be configured as a brace for a sound board of the musical instrument. In one embodiment, the system includes an input configured to receive a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, a linear exciter for converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and a calibration system for altering the signal sent to the exciter.

The present invention relates to the field of audio recognition, in particular to computer implemented note recognition methods in a gaming application. Furthermore, the present invention relates to improving latency of such audio recognition methods. One of the embodiments of the invention described herein is a method for note recognition of an audio source. The method includes: dividing an audio input into a plurality of frames, each frame having a pre-determined length, conducting a frequency analysis of at least a set of the plurality of frames, based on the frequency analysis, determining if a frame is a transient frame with a frequency change between the beginning and end of the frame, comparing the frequency analysis of each said transient frame to the frequency analysis of an immediately preceding frame and, based on said comparison, determining at least one probable pitch present at the end of each transient frame, and for each transient frame, outputting pitch data indicative of the probable pitch present at the end of the transient frame.

A building panel, such as a flooring panel or wall panel and a method of assembling the same into a floor, wall cladding, etc. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. In a preferred embodiment, the groove (6) and the tongue (7) are made of water resistant material and fanned with a snap-together joint.

A surface covering kit is disclosed, comprising a plurality of generally rectangular panels (100). Each panel is provided with grooves (301, 302, 301', 302') forming an insertion channel (303) when two panels (100) are laid next to each other along their transverse sides (105, 105') in a common laying plane (101). An extraneous locking element (210) is received by the insertion channel (303), the extraneous locking element (210) having a longitudinal dimension and a cross-section perpendicular to said longitudinal dimension which forms a cross with at least four cross arms. The corresponding cross arms of the insertion channel have two parallel flank surfaces (1603, 1604) each, and each of the cross arms is oriented diagonally in a plane perpendicular to the panel plane (102).

A structural element for constructing an auxiliary means for the manufacture of a reinforcement includes at least one coupling point for coupling the structural element to another structural element. The structural element is formed from a basic element. The structural element may further include a holding means for holding a reinforcement rod. A method for constructing an auxiliary means and a method for manufacturing a reinforcement are also provided.

A corner flashing system is provided for sealing the corners of recessed window frames against moisture penetration. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises first and second double-flap members, a half-cube member, and caulking. The first and second double-flap members, and the half-cube member are preferably made of asphalt or petroleum based material. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises one double-flap member, a modified half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a single member that combines a double-flap member and a half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a combination member, a double-flap member, and caulking.

A method of self-erecting a jacking tower includes extending a lift assembly, inserting a first module assembly below the extended lift assembly, lowering the lift assembly around the first module assembly, engaging the lift assembly with the first module assembly, extending the lift assembly with the first module assembly engaged, inserting a second module assembly below the extended lift assembly, lowering the lift assembly, and coupling the first and second module assemblies.

An insulation element for thermal and/or acoustic insulation of a flat roof or a flat inclined roof comprises a first layer made of mineral fibers, and a second layer made of at least one fabric, whereby the second layer is fixed to a major surface of the first layer by an adhesive. To reduce the adhesive costs and the risk of blistering the roof membrane at the application stage, the second layer is impregnated with a filler. The second layer in combination with the filler has a permeability allowing hot air gases to pass through the second layer and closing the second layer for the penetration of a glue or adhesive in the direction to the first layer.

A structural support system with a means for capturing and channeling elements originating from an exterior surface is disclosed. More specifically, the support system not only creates a dry area under a deck but is also a load bearing component of the deck. The support system is multifunctional in that it alleviates the need for traditional joist-dependent construction methods while simultaneously providing an efficient and aesthetically pleasing structure for maintaining a useful, dry area under the deck. Advantageously, embodiments are scalable in that the system comprises a repeatable series of interlocking components operable to be customized to any foreseeable deck footprint or load bearing application.