Patents by Inventor Neil Skinn

Neil Skinn has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Apparatus and method for self-tuning stringed musical instruments with an accompanying vibrato mechanism
    Patent number: 7446248
    Abstract: An automatic tuning system for a stringed instrument is provided having a string adjustment assembly comprising a motor and gear assembly, wherein the motor and gear assembly is pivotable on a housing for the tuning system. The system can also include a vibrato arm in contact with the motor and gear assembly, and a vibrato return spring in contact with both the motor and gear assembly and the instrument, which is capable of reversibly changing the position of a string contact surface in the string adjustment assembly with respect to the string, thereby lowering the pitch of the string and then raising it to its original pitch. The system can also include an option board for wireless communication with remote components such as a remote footswitch or other type of control panel. Other remote devices may also be wirelessly connected to the tuning system, including other instruments, audio devices for receiving sound, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Transperformance, LLC
    Inventors: Neil Skinn, Frank Strazzabosco, Steve Kith, Sharon R. Stanberg, legal representative, Bryan S. Johnson
  • Apparatus and method for self-tuning stringed musical instruments with an accompanying vibrato mechanism
    Publication number: 20060037459
    Abstract: An automatic tuning system for a stringed instrument is provided having a string adjustment assembly comprising a motor and gear assembly, wherein the motor and gear assembly is pivotable on a housing for the tuning system. The system can also include a vibrato arm in contact with the motor and gear assembly, and a vibrato return spring in contact with both the motor and gear assembly and the instrument, which is capable of reversibly changing the position of a string contact surface in the string adjustment assembly with respect to the string, thereby lowering the pitch of the string and then raising it to its original pitch. The system can also include an option board for wireless communication with remote components such as a remote footswitch or other type of control panel. Other remote devices may also be wirelessly connected to the tuning system, including other instruments, audio devices for receiving sound, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Inventors: Neil Skinn, Frank Strazzabosco, Steve Kith, Bryan Johnson, Sharon Stanberg