_tags

Complete transposable notation and keyboard music system for typists
2010-03-10 00:00:00
AbstractA typewriter keyboard instrument wherein the keyboard is arranged as a standard typewriter with only letters, numbers, and symbols of the standard keyboard wherein the key with the letter N is assigned to play the note middle C, and wherein each succeeding key to the right plays a note which is a half-step higher than the note played by the preceeding key, and two expanded keyboards; the first expanded keyboard having five additional keys on each end of each row, wherein each additional key plays a note one half-step lower or higher than the adjacent key; and the second expanded keyboard having five additional keys on the right hand end of each row of keys and seven additional keys on the left end of each additional row wherein each additional key plays a note which is one half-step higher or lower than the adjacent keys, and wherein the music for the standard and the expanded keyboards is written with a key designation in the clef and wherein the dark notes have a light letter corresponding to the key to be pressed and the light notes have a dark or black letter in the center thereof to designate the key to be pressed, and wherein an ordinary typist with only a basic knowledge of music can sit down to the instrument, readily read the music, automatically correlate the music to the keyboard, play the instrument and, at will, transpose to any new key to play the music in, simply by moving the placement of his/her home row fingers location to the left or right of the original home row on the expanded keyboards.ClaimsI claim: /> />1. A keyboard for a musical instrument of a type which includes means for producing musical tones when the keys are touched, wherein each key of the keyboard when pressed plays aparticular note, said keyboard comprising a standard typewriter keyboard wherein each key has a letter, symbol, or number, and wherein the keys of the standard keyboard are arranged in four horizontal rows of ten keys in each row, and wherein the bottomrow is closest to a person playing the instrument, and wherein the row next to the bottom row has its keys offset approximately one-half key-width to the left with respect to the bottom row, and wherein the third row of keys is offset approximatelyone-quarter key-width from the next to the bottom row of keys to the left, and wherein the fourth and top row of keys is offset to the left with respect to the third row of keys approximately one-half key-width, and wherein the sixth key from the left inthe bottom row when pressed plays the note middle C, and wherein the notes played when keys in any row are pressed sequentially from left to right are successively one half-step higher than the note played when the preceding key is pressed, and whereinthe first key in all rows, but the bottom row, when pressed play a note one half-step higher than the note played when the key at the right hand end of the next lower row is pressed, and wherein five additional keys are added to the right hand end ofeach row, and seven additional keys are added to the left hand end of each row, and wherein the additional keys at the right hand end of each row when pressed sequentially from left to right play a note which is one half-step higher than the note playedby pressing the key immediately adjacent to the left, and wherein the additional keys at the left end of each row w...

Musical instrument bridge
2010-03-09 00:00:00
AbstractA musical instrument bridge (50) is supporting a set of strings (22) above a front face (14) of a musical instrument (12). The bridge has a plate (60), a mounting block (80), and a plurality of fingers (100). The plate is attachable to a rear face of the instrument. The plurality of fingers are cantilevered from the plate and extend outwardly therefrom. Each finger has a resonant frequency or rigidity that is related to a predetermined pitch of the string supported by the finger. Each finger is designed to vibrate in a plane that is parallel to the front face of the instrument but to reduce vibration in a plane perpendicular to the front face of the instrument.Claims /> />The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: /> />1. A musical instrument bridge for supporting a set of strings above a front face of a musical instrument, wherein each string of the set of strings is tuned to a predetermined pitch when the musical instrument is played, the musical instrument bridge comprising: /> />a plate that is attachable to the musical instrument; /> />several fingers cantilevered from the plate, each of said fingers having a resonant frequency and being configured to support a string of the set of strings above the front face of the musical instrument, said fingers being arranged in a row such that a first finger of said several fingers is disposed at one end of the row, a second finger of said set fingers is disposed at an opposite end of the row and all other of said several fingers are disposed intermediate said first and second fingers with no additional fingers located outward of said first and second fingers, the resonant frequency of said first finger being different than the resonant frequency of said second finger. /> />2. The musical instrument bridge of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second fingers has a base portion that is secured to the plate, a head portion that is configured to anchor an end of the string supported by the finger and a waist portion that extends between the base portion and the head portion, the waist portion of each of said first and second fingers having a width dimension, the width dimension of the waist portion of the first finger being different than a width dimension of the waist portion of the second finger. /> />3. The musical instrument bridge of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second fingers has a base portion that is secured to the plate, a head portion that is configured to anchor an end of the string supported by the finger and a waist portion that extends between the base portion and the head portion, the head portion of each of the first and second fingers having a hold therein, the hole of the head portion of the first finger being a different size than the size of a hole of the head portion of the second finger. /> />4. The musical instrument bridge of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second fingers has a base portion that is secured to the plate, a head portion that is configured to anchor an end of the string supported by the finger and a waist portion that extends between the base portion and the head portion, the waist portion of each of the first and second fingers having a pair of opposing slots that extend lengthwise along a length of the waist portion, the opposing slots of the first finger having a dimension that is different than a dimension of the opposing slots of the second finger. /> />5. The musical instrument bridge of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second fingers has a base portion that is secured to the plate, a head portion that is configured to anchor an end of the string supported by the finger and a waist portion that extends between the base portion and the head portion, each of the first and second fingers having a mass, the mass of the first finger being different than the mass of the second finger. /> />6. The musical instrument bridge of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second fingers has a base portion that is secured to the plate, a head portion that is configured to anchor an end of the string supported by the finger and a waist portion that extends between the base portion and the head portion, each of the first and second fingers having a groove that extends between the base portion of such finger and the waist portion of such finger, the groove of the first finger having a length that is different than a length of the groove of the second finger. /> />7. The musical instrument bridge of claim 1, further comprising a mounting block disposed between the plate and the fingers. /> />8. The musical instrument bridge of claim 7, wherein the mounting block and the base portion of each of said fingers have respective interfitting portions including a groove and an outwardly extending lip received in the groove. /> />9. The musical instrument bridge of claim 7, wherein the mounting block includes a plurality of slots into which each of said fingers is secured. /> />10. The musical instrument bridge of claim 9, wherein each of the fingers is secured to the mounting block independently of any other of the fingers. /> />11. A musical instrument bridge for supporting a set of strings above a front face of a musical instrument, wherein each string of the set of strings is tuned to a predetermined pitch when the musical instrument is played, the musical instrument bridge comprising: /> />a plate that...

Method for operating a musical instrument
2010-03-08 00:00:00
AbstractThe present invention provides a method for operating a musical instrument, especially a keyboard instrument such as a piano. In one embodiment, a keyboard instrument is provided which is operable for producing a musical sound. The keyboard instrument is used in combination with a musical staff on which a musical composition has been recorded. The staff has a structure that corresponds with the arrangement of keys on a keyboard such that notes recorded in spaces on the staff correspond to white keys of the keyboard instrument and notes recorded on lines correspond to black keys of the keyboard instrument. The keyboard instrument is operated by depressing the appropriate corresponding white key for a note recorded on a space of the staff and depressing the appropriate black key for a note recorded on a line of a staff.Claims /> />I claim: /> />1. A method for producing pitches of sound corresponding to a musical composition represented by noteheads visually depicted on a musical staff, the method of comprising the steps of: /> />producing sound responsive to said noteheads, said sound comprising pitches of said musical composition as represented by said noteheads visually depicted on said musical staff; /> />said musical staff comprising five substantially parallel and visually observable lines grouped in two groups, a first group consisting of three lines and a second group consisting of two lines, wherein said first group is separated from said second group by a distance that is larger than the spacing between lines within either of said first and second groups; /> />wherein, each line of said first group has a visually distinctive appearance relative to each line of said second group and wherein a first line of said first group of lines has a visually observable width that is smaller than the widths of the other two lines of said first group, so that said pitches will be easily identifiable when some of said noteheads are visually depicted in said first group and some of said noteheads are visually depicted in said second group. /> />2. The method of claim 1, wherein: /> />each of said lines of said first group has a visually observable width that is larger than each of said lines of said second group. /> />3. The method of claim 1, wherein: /> />said width of said first line is about one half as large as said widths of said other two lines of said first group. /> />4. The method of claim 1, wherein: /> />said three lines within said first group and said two lines within said second group have relative line widths substantially as shown in FIG. 14. /> />5. The method of claim 1, wherein: /> />during said step of producing said sound, said sound is produced by a musical instrument. /> />6. The method of claim 5, wherein: /> />said musical instrument comprises a keyboard; and /> />said step of producing said musical sound includes depressing a black key to produce a pitch of said sound when one of said noteheads corresponding to said pitch is visually depicted as being on one of said lines of said staff and depressing a white key to produce a pitch of said sound when one of said noteheads corresponding to said pitch is visually depicted as occupying a space between two of said lines. /> />7. The method of claim 1, wherein: /> />said five substantially parallel lines being substantially horizontally extending during said step of producing said sound. /> />8. A method for producing pitches of sound corresponding to a musical composition represented by noteheads visually depicted on a musical staff, the method comprising the steps of: /> />producing sound responsive to said noteheads, said sound comprising pitches of said musical composition as represented by said noteheads visually depicted on said musical staff; /> />said musical staff including at least 15 substantially parallel lines, which are substantially horizontal during said step of producing said sound and which are divided into at least two staff portions, with a first staff portion including seven lines arranged in three groups and a second staff portion including eight lines arranged in three groups, with the first staff portion and the second staff portion being separated by a distance that is larger than the spacing between groups of lines within said first staff portion and said second staff portion; /> />said three groups including said seven lines of said first staff portion including a first group consisting of three of said seven lines and second and third groups each consisting of two of said seven lines, wherein said first group is located between said second and third groups with each of said first, second and third groups being separated from any other adjacent of said first, second and third groups by a distance that is larger than spacing between lines within any of said first, second and third groups; /> />said three groups including said eight lines of said second staff portion including a fourth group consisting of two of said eight lines and fifth and sixth...

Method and apparatus for automatic variable articulation and timbre assignment for an electronic musical instrument
2010-03-06 00:00:00
AbstractA signal processor acts upon a stream of incoming musical performance data including note-on signals and outputs a stream of musical performance data including note-on and note-off signals. The incoming performance data is dispatched to a multiplicity of output channels depending on the time interval between successive incoming note-on data. Notes played in very rapid succession are identified as chords and are performed with identical musical parameters such as duration and instrumental timbre. Notes played in slow succession are identified as polyphonic and are performed with the same instrumental timbre. Notes played at an intermediate speed are identified as melodic and are performed with the same instrumental timbre and a variable staccato or legato effect. A variable legato effect is achieved by controlling the overlap of successive pairs of notes, adjusting the release of the first note with respect to the onset of the second note as a function of the time interval between their onsets, and limiting the number of notes that can sound simultaneously. A variable staccato effect is achieved by controlling the duration of each note as a function of the time interval between the note and its predecessor, and limiting the number of notes that can sound simultaneously.Claims /> />What is claimed is: /> />1. An electronic musical instrument, comprising: /> />means for supplying performance data for a first note and for a second note; /> />a processor for setting durations of said first and second notes in accordance with said performance data, wherein said processor sets an initial duration of said first note without regard to the performance data of said second note, determines a time interval N between a start time of said first note and a start time of said second note, and adjusts the initial duration of the first note as a function of said time interval N when the initial duration of said first note is greater than said time interval N; and /> />a tone generator for generating tones in accordance with the durations of said first and second notes set by said processor. /> />2. The electronic musical instrument according to claim 1, wherein said processor adjusts the initial duration of said first note to a duration substantially equal to the time interval N if the time interval N is less than the initial duration of said first note. /> />3. The electronic musical instrument according to claim 1, wherein, if the time interval N is less than the initial duration of said first note, said processor adjusts the initial duration of said first note such that a time of overlap between said first note and said second note is a function of the time interval N. /> />4. The electronic musical instrument according to claim 1, wherein said performance data includes velocity data indicating a force with which each note is played and a pitch of each note, wherein said processor sets the initial duration of said first note as a function of at least one of: the velocity data corresponding to said first note; the pitch of said first note; a time interval N-1 between the start time of said first note and the start time of a previous note; and a predetermined duration. /> />5. The electronic musical instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a selector for selecting one of a first melodic mode and a second melodic mode, wherein: /> />when the first melodic mode is selected, if the time interval N is less than the initial duration of said first note, said processor adjusts the initial duration of said first note such that a time of overlap between said first note and said second note is a function of the time interval N; and /> />when the second melodic mode is selected, said processor adjusts the initial duration of said first note to a duration substantially equal to the time interval N if the time interval N is less than the initial duration of said first note. /> />6. The electronic musical instrument according to claim 1, wherein said means for supplying performance data is at least one of: a music controller; a playable controller interface; and a data transmission line. /> />7. The electronic musical instrument according to claim 6, wherein said music controller is at least one of: a keyboard, a xylophone-type keyboard, an array of drum pads and a keyed wind instrument. /> />8. The electronic musical instrument according to claim 1, wherein said tone generator is a polyphonic tone generator. /> />9. The electronic musical instrument according to claim 1, wherein said tone generator is a multi-channel, multi-timbral tone generator. /> />10. An apparatus for controlling an articulation between successive musical notes, comprising: /> />a note classifier for classifying at least a first note in accordance with performance data relating thereto, wherein said note classifier determines a time interval N-1 between a start time of said first note and a start time of an immediately previous note and determines a time interval N between the start time of said first note and a start time of an immediately subsequent note, classifies said first note and said immediately previous note as chord notes when the time interval N-1 is less than a first threshold time, classifies said first note as a polyphonic note when the time interval N-1 is greater than a second threshold time, and classifies said first note as a melodic note when the time interval N-1 is between said first and second threshold times; and /> />a processor for setting a duration of at least said first note in accordance with a classification of said first note by said note classifier, such that: when said first note and said immediately previous note are classified as chord notes, durations of said first note and said immediately previous note are substantially overlapped; when said first note is classified as a polyphonic note, said processor sets a duration of said first note; and, when said first note is classified as a melodic note, said processor sets an initial duration of said first note and adjusts the initial duration of the first note as a function of said time interval N if the initial duration of said first note is greater than said time interval N.&l...

Method and Apparatus for Playing in Synchronism with a CD an Automated Musical Instrument
2010-03-04 00:00:00
Abstract text />The invention disclosed is a system for playing a music sequence such as a MIDI file in synchronization with a prerecorded CD. The synchronization is accomplished by using the digital media sample rate as a common time base for progression of the playing of the digital media and the music sequence.Claims />1. An apparatus for playing an automated musical instrument in synchronism with an audio track of a CD, the apparatus including: a source for a music sequence including time stamped articulation events; a CD drive in communication with a controller, the CD drive capable of playing an audio track on a CD; the controller in communication with the source for a music sequence and in communication with the automated musical instrument, the controller providing the articulation events to the automated musical instrument, the controller further including a digital to analog converter to convert the audio track to an analog signal for play, the digital to analog converter providing the controller with a progress status of the time since the beginning of the play of the analog signal, the controller using the progress status of time as a time base for providing the time stamped articulation events to the automated musical instrument. /> />2. The apparatus of claim 1, where the music sequence is a MIDI file. /> />3. The apparatus of claim 1, where the source of a music sequence is digital media. /> />4. The apparatus of claim 2, where the digital media is selected from the group of compact flash cards, or SD cards. /> />5. A controller for playing an automated musical instrument in synchronism with an audio track from a CD, including, a CD drive; a CD subsystem; a microprocessor; memory storing a music sequence; the CD drive in communication with the microprocessor and the CD subsystem, the CD drive providing the CD subsystem with digital audio data from the audio track of a CD, and providing the microprocessor with information regarding identity of the audio track; the CD subsystem including a digital to analog converter to convert the digital audio data into an analog signal for transmission to a transducer; the CD subsystem in communication with the microprocessor and providing the microprocessor with information regarding the time progress of processing the digital audio data; the microprocessor in communication with the memory storing a music sequence, the microprocessor sending the music sequence to the automated musical instrument based on the time progress of processing the digital audio data. /> />6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the music sequence is a MIDI file including time stamped articulation events. /> />7. The apparatus of claim 5, whe...

Music Processing System Including Device for Converting Guitar Sounds to Midi Commands
2010-03-03 00:00:00
Abstract text />A device is disclosed for converting guitar sounds to MIDI commands. The device has 7 microcontrollers. Each guitar string's oscillations are filtered and amplified with input filters and input amplifiers. The conditioned string signal is directed to an input of an associated microcontroller and converted to a MIDI command. Each string has an input filter and amplifier, and a microcontroller that converts the string oscillations into a MIDI command. MIDI commands from all six microcontrollers are received and processed by a main microcontroller that transmits the commands to the MIDI interface of a musical instrument with additional modification, if needed.Claims />1. A device for converting guitar sounds to MIDI commands comprising:a low capacity microcontroller associated with each guitar string, the low capacity microcontroller being configured to convert filtered and amplified signals oscillations from a guitar string to a corresponding MIDI command; anda main microcontroller operatively connected to the low capacity microcontroller, the main microcontroller being configured to receive and collect MIDI commands generated by the low capacity microcontrollers, modify the MIDI commands, and transmit the modified MIDI command to the MIDI interface of a musical instrument. /> />2. The device of claim 1 wherein:each low capacity microcontroller comprises: (i) an input adapted to receive the amplified and filtered signals from the guitar string, (ii) an output adapted to transmit a MIDI command corresponding to the amplified and filtered signal from the low capacity microcontroller to the main microcontroller, an (iii) output adapted signal the main microcontroller that the low capacity microcontroller has a MIDI command to be transmitted to the main microcontroller, and (iv) an input adapted to receive a signal from the main microcontroller to transmit a MIDI command. /> />3. The device of claim 1 wherein:the main microcontroller comprises: (i) an input adapted to receive a signal from the low capacity microcontroller that the low capacity microcontroller has a MIDI command to be transmitted to the main microcontroller; (ii) an output adapted to transmit a signal from the main microcontroller to each low capacity microcontroller to transmit a MIDI command from the low capacity microcontroller to the main microcontroller; and (iii) one input for receiving MIDI commands sent by each low capacity microcontroller.Description />RELATED APPLICATION DATA /> />[0001]This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/873,970, filed Oct. 16, 2007, currently pending, and claims priority to Serbian Patent application ser. no. 2007-0015, filed Feb. 5, 2007, and the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/019,039 filed Jan. 4, 2008, the disclosures all of which are incorporated by reference herein. /> />BACKGROUND /> />[0002]This disclosure generally pertains to a music processing system that converts sound from musical instruments into an electronic data format. More specifically, this invention pertains to a system and method that converts sound generated by musical instruments to a form to be used in electronic media based on a first harmonic of an input signal. In one embodiment, the data format is the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) format. /> />[0003]For years digital keyboard players enjoyed unparalleled flexibility and functionality in interfacing and composing with their computers, such as the ability to instantly create notation and change sounds generated by their instruments with the push of a button. The music processing system described herein offer this flexibility and functionality to guitarists as well as the ability to use a guitar with computer games. The methods and apparatus described may comprise a pick-up and converter that attaches directly to any electric, acoustic electric or acoustic guitar, thereby making a user's guitar fully plug and play compatible with Windows XP or higher as well as Mac OSX. Preferably, no driver installation is necessary. /> />[0004]The music processing system described herein may be adapted for use with Guitar Wizard, a game that allows users to jam along to popular songs while learning to play a real guitar. Guitar Wizard teaches aspiring musicians everything from single note picking to complex chords and strumming techniques. Modem Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software, such as Sony Acid鈩?Music Studio and Apple GarageBand harness the power of PCs, allowing musicians to play samples and software instruments. With the music processing system described herein, guitarists can control these programs to play sampled sounds and synthesized instruments such as a keyboard or piano, a different style guitar, drums or a woodwind instrument. Using the music processing system described herein, guitarists can compose a complete masterpiece controlling and recording each instrument from trumpets to tympanis using their guitar. /> />[0005]Using the music processing system described herein, users will enjoy the ability to connect a real guitar to console systems bridging the gap between gaming and reality. For instance, using the music processing sy...

Electronic device to detect and generate music from biological microvariations in a living organism
2010-03-02 00:00:00
AbstractA method and apparatus are provided for using microvariations of a biological living organism to generate a sequence of environmental changes perceptible through one of the human senses. The method includes the steps of transforming microvariations within a living organism into an analog electrical signal and generating the sequence of environmental changes perceptible through the human senses based on said analog signal. The sequence of changes can include the generation of music based on the signal, or the control of lighting, aromas, or air movement in the environment of the organism. One example application is the generation of music from electrical microvariations detected in a house plant.Claims /> />What is claimed is: /> />1. A method of using microvariations of a biological living organism to generate a sequence of environmental changes perceptible through one of the human senses, such method comprising the steps of: /> />transforming microvariations within a living organism into an analog electrical signal; and /> />generating the sequence of environmental changes perceptible through the human senses based on said analog signal. /> />2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of generating the sequence of environmental changes further comprises generating music in an environment of said organism. /> />3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of generating the sequence of environmental changes further comprises generating a sequence of different lighting conditions in an environment of said organism. /> />4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of generating the sequence of different lighting conditions further comprises generating a sequence of different lighting intensities in the environment of said organism. /> />5. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of generating the sequence of different lighting conditions further comprises generating a sequence of different lighting color spectrums in the environment of said organism. /> />6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of generating the sequence of environmental changes further comprises generating a sequence of different moisture levels in an environment of said organism. /> />7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of generating the sequence of environmental changes further comprises generating a sequence of air movement conditions in an environment of said organism. /> />8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of generating the sequence of air movement conditions further comprises controlling a fan speed. /> />9. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of generating the sequence of air movement conditions further comprises controlling the orientation of a fan. /> />10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of generating the sequence of environmental changes further comprises generating a sequence of different aroma conditions in an environment of said organism. /> />11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of generating the sequence of different aroma conditions in the environment of said organism further comprises evaporating a sequence of different aroma chemicals into the air in the environment of said organism. /> />12. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of generating the sequence of different aroma conditions further comprises Varying over time the evaporation rate of an aroma chemical in the environment of said organism. /> />13. The method of claim 1, where the step of generating the sequence of environmental changes based on said analog signal comprises: /> />periodically converting said analog signal to a digital signal using an analog to digital converter; /> />utilizing said periodically converted digital signal as an input to a sequence generating program running on a microprocessor; and /> />outputting digital environmental control data from said microprocessor. /> />14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of generating the sequence of environmental changes further comprises generating music in the environment of said organism. /> />15. The method of claim 14, wherein said digital ...

Magnetic pickup for stringed musical instrument
2010-03-01 00:00:00
AbstractA magnetic pickup for a stringed instrument has one or two coils juxtaposed with the strings each coil having an inner polepiece disposed centrally therein. A single polarity is induced in each inner polepiece by two bar magnets, one at each side of the polepiece externally of the coil. An outer polepiece is magnetically coupled to an outside edge of each of the bar magnets and extends toward the strings. Each polepiece has a preselected shape, with an upper edge which is either continuous, or discontinuous with a plurality of pole legs, one common to each string of the musical instrument. The distance between the pickup and strings is adjustable to select a desired response. When pole legs are used, they are selectable in height by shearing off the distal end of each leg to obtain a selected pickup sensitivity for each string.ClaimsI claim as my invention: /> />1. A magnetic pickup for a musical instrument having a plurality of strings, comprising: /> />(a) a coil common to said strings; /> />(b) an inner ferromagnetic polepiece common to said strings and partially disposed in said coil; /> />(c) magnet means common to said strings and magnetically coupled to said inner polepiece and inducing a single polarity in said inner polepiece; and /> />(d) at least one flat outer ferromagnetic polepiece magnetically coupled to the magnet means outside of said coil and having a polarity opposite to that of the nearest portion of said inner polepiece. /> />2. A magnetic pick-up according to claim 1 in which said inner polepiece has a plurality of pole legs integrally formed with each other, there being one pole leg for each string. /> />3. A magnetic pickup according to claim 1 in which said outer polepiece is common to said strings and has a uniform length and uniform height. /> />4. A magnetic pickup according to claim 1 in which said outer polepiece has a segmented surface below the instrument strings in the form of pole legs with a continuous transition from the upper end of one pole leg to the up...

Musical resonator mounting structure
2010-02-26 00:00:00
AbstractA musical resonator mounting arrangement includes a resonator unit, a support plate, a coupling plate having one end fastened to the support plate and an opposite end connected to an end plate of the resonator unit by a connecting plate, a clamping unit controlled to secure the support plate to a musical instrument, enabling corrugated metal wires of the resonator unit to be retained in contact with the musical instrument, and an adjustment screw fastened to the support plate and the coupling plate at one end and screwed up with an adjustment nut for adjusting the contact pressure between the musical instrument and the corrugated metal wires of the resonator unit.Claims /> />What the invention claimed is: /> />1. A musical resonator mounting structure comprising: /> />a resonator unit, said resonator unit comprising an end plate and a plurality of corrugated metal wires connected in parallel to said end plate; /> />a connecting plate, said connecting plate having an oblique middle portion, a first horizontal connecting portion extended and a second horizontal connecting portion respectively extended from both ends of said oblique middle portion, said first horizontal connecting portion being fixedly connected to said end plate of said resonator unit; /> />a resilient holding down unit, said resilient holding down unit comprising an resilient coupling plate having a first end fixedly fastened to the second connecting portion of said connecting plate and a second end, a support plate having a fixed end fastened to the second end of said resilient coupling plate and a free end spaced below the first end of said resilient coupling plate, an adjustment screw fastened to the free end of said support plate and the fir...

14: Buying a cell phone - know your rights
2010-02-24 00:00:00
If you buy a mobile phone handset and/or contract over the phone, online, or by mail order, you have some rights that you would not otherwise have if you had bought it from a shop. If you have an issue with the company that...