<html> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 10 (filtered)"> <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=blue style='word-wrap: break-word;-khtml-nbsp-mode: space; -khtml-line-break: after-white-space'> <div class=Section1> Pianotek is taking on the manufacturing of the Lowell Gauge and it is supposed to be available in a month or two.  Get on the list if you want one.   <div> David Love davidlovepianos@comcast.net </div> -----Original Message----- From: caut-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of william ballard Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2006 6:34 AM To: College and University Technicians Subject: Re: [CAUT] downbearing gauge, homemade     <div> <div> On Apr 5, 2006, at 9:25 PM, Fred Sturm wrote: </div> <blockquote style='margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt' type=cite> Yes, don’t make it for sale without investigating. I tried to buy a Lowell gauge for several years running: back ordered and not filled. I finally asked and was told it might not become available again. </blockquote> <div>   </div> <div> I remember a discussion on PTx about a year and a half ago on the fate of the Lowell DB gauge. Someone who knew him checked to see what his plans were and reported back that while active production of the unit (mainly contracting with the plastics molding company for the bodies) had lapsed because a particular stretch in his life didn't have room for this sideline, he was now (then) ready to start thinking about resuming. Based on pent-up consumer demand. </div> <div>   </div> <div> Also discuss was the business of "prior art", IOW how closely his resembled what Baldwin was using in the factory and was issuing for techs restringing accu-just hitchpin pianos. I think Del Fandrich said that Baldwin turn a blind eye when Lowell applied for his patent. </div> At which point I decided to make one, or a reasonable facsimile thereof. If someone wanted to challenge that patent, they might have a good case, based on its not having been exercised. I understand that if you get a patent, but then fail to make use of the item/process/whatever by manufacturing, making available to the public, the patent lapses, loses force. Not something I care to find out about, but if it isn’t true, it ought to be.   </div> <div> The business of prior art (which might come up in a patent infringement suit against someone producing and marketing a similar device) could be the basis on which the coma-hold he now has on this item gets broken. Baldwin wasn't interested fifteen years ago. Gibson might now be. Then again, Tom Lowell himself might be edging closer to reviving production (a year and a half later). </div> <div>   </div> <div> There's definitely pent-up demand. </div>   <div> <div> william ballard </div> <div> <a href="mailto:wbps@vermontel.net">wbps@vermontel.net</a> </div> <div style='min-height: 14px'>   </div> <div> "All men are dogs. Some just make better pets". </div> <div>     ...........Recently seen on a back bumper </div> <div> +++++++++++++++++++++ </div> <div>   </div> </div>   </div> </body> </html>