Abstract:
A guitar bridge bias converter is described which provides the means of converting a right-handed steel strung electric or acoustic guitar to a left-handed instrument. The bridge bias converter for an acoustic guitar consists most simply of an integral one-piece unit comprising a central plate, a lower tongue, and an upper bridge-bone. The tongue locates in the groove vacated by removal of the original right-handed bridge-bone. The plate sits on top of the bridge and the bridge-bone is situated on the plate at an angle which is diametrically opposed to the original bridge-bone. This has the effect, in conjunction with reversal of the string positions, of converting the guitar from right-handed to left-handed playing. An alternative embodiment appropriate to conversion of electric guitars is also described, comprising a replacement bridge block incorporating mounting hole protrusions so offset as to convert the instrument from right-hand to left-handed string bias. It is an important feature of the invention that it requires no change to the body of the instrument and that the conversion process is completely reversible.
Abstract:
A composite cover for dust, dirt and incidental moisture protection over an extended temperature range, EMI shielding to prevent radiation of internal circuit energy and preventing the entrance of external EMI. Also the cover provides mechanical strength and protection of circuitry and radiates heat created by internal circuitry. The cover provides lower levels of radiated emissions and improved resistance to incident external radiation. Electric and magnetic shielding is also provided.
Abstract:
A print head has an array of jets formed in a jet stack to deliver ink to an image receptor and at least one ink reservoir to deliver ink to the jet stack. Control circuitry is arranged on the jet stack with an actuator array arranged on the control circuitry to cause the reservoir to deliver ink in response to signals from the control circuitry. A ground plane is arranged between the actuators and the ink reservoir. A print head has an array of jets formed into a jet stack to deliver ink to a printing medium and an actuator array formed on the jet stack, each actuator separated from other actuators by gaps. A spacer is arranged on the jet stack so as to fill the gaps between the actuators.
Abstract:
A material suitable for sealing plastic containers and used as a lid on a container for food is disclosed. The material comprises a substrate joined to a film comprising a mixture of a butene-1 polymer, polypropylene, an organic filler, and, optionally, high density polyethylene. The material is heat sealable, peelable and retains high burst strength both during and after retorting at elevated temperatures.
Abstract:
A material that can be used as a lid (12) on a container (14, 40), the lid containing a solid substrate (30) and a peelable and heat sealable film (32) which contains a mixture of at least aliphatic-aromatic copolyester, inorganic filler, butene-1 polymer and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, where the substrate (30) is preferably made of aluminum.
Abstract:
Continuous polymeric extrusion nucleation systems and methods useful for making polymeric microcellular foamed materials, including crystalline and semi-crystalline polymeric microcellular materials, are provided. Pressure drop rate is an important feature in some embodiments, and the invention provides systems for controlling these and other parameters. One aspect involves a multiple-pathway nucleator that is separated from a shaping die by a residence chamber. Another aspect involves a die for making advantageously thick articles, including a multiple-pathway nucleation section. Microcellular material can be continuously extruded onto wire, resulting in a very thin, essentially closed-cell microcellular insulating coating secured to a wire. Other very thin microcellular products can be fabricated as well.
Abstract:
An ambulatory therapy device for the training or retraining of persons in developing walking skills and/or balance skills after suffering a serious illness, injury, or other infirmity, which limits their walking skills. The present invention is particularly useful for children suffering from infantile hypotonia, also known as floppy infant syndrome. The device is comprised of four telescoping vertical support columns mounted and located at the corners of a stable walking platform. Two flexible cables are attached to the upper ends of the support columns and extend longitudinally along both edges of the walking platform. The two cables are adjustable in tension such that a higher tension provides more support and wherein the tension can be progressively lessened as the user develops walking and balance skills. A pipe can encompass a majority of the length of each cable for easier use.
Abstract:
In a directly-illuminated liquid crystal display (LCD), for example an LCD monitor or an LCD-TV, a number of light management layers lie between the light source and the LCD panel to provide bright, uniform illumination. The light management layers, including, for example, a diffuser, a reflective polarizer and a brightness enhancing layer, are contained in a light management unit that is formed from two subassemblies. The two subassemblies each contain a substrate and are attached together so as to leave a gap between the two subassemblies. The diffuser is located in one of the subassemblies, and the other light management layers may be in either of the subassemblies, or may be disposed in the gap between the subassemblies.
Abstract:
An integrated noise suppression acoustic panel includes a back plate, a face plate, and a bulk foam absorber disposed between the back plate and the face plate. The bulk foam absorber is formed of a thermoset material, such as bismaleimide or phenolic, and is manufactured using a low pressure process. In particular, a foamable material is melted, and a blowing agent is mixed with the foamable material to obtain a mixture. The foam is formed and the mixture is cured by heating it to a temperature, and maintaining the mixture at the temperature for a time sufficient to cure the mixture.
Abstract:
Injection molding systems and methods useful for making microcellular foamed materials are provided as well as microcellular articles. Pressure drop rate and shear rate are important features in some embodiments, and the invention provides systems for controlling these parameters in an injection molding system. Another aspect involves an injection molding system including a nucleator that is upstream of a pressurized mold. Another aspect involves an extrusion system with the reciprocating screw for forming a single phase solution of non-nucleated blowing agent and polymeric material. Another aspect involves very thin walled microcellular material and very thin walled polymeric material. Another aspect provides a method for producing high weight reductions in very thin-walled parts with surfaces that have no noticeable differences from non-foamed parts.