Patents Assigned to Donald D. Markley
  • Patent number: 5322969
    Abstract: The piezoelectric transducer saddle of the present invention is a thin, generally rectangular member that is designed to fit into the bridge slot of a musical instrument such as a guitar. The piezoelectric element is oriented vertically in the saddle and constitutes a structural member of the saddle. In a first embodiment of the saddle, a piezoelectric element forms the saddle itself. Electrical contacts are engaged to the sides of the piezoelectric element to produce electrical output. A preferred embodiment of the saddle is a laminated structure wherein the laminated layers are disposed vertically, and a vertical layer composed of a piezoelectric material is generally centrally disposed within the laminated structure. A metallic electrical contact is engaged on each side of the piezoelectric material to receive electrical signals generated by the piezoelectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Donald D. Markley
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Aaroe, Donald D. Markley