Patents Assigned to Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
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Publication number: 20180102121Abstract: A humbucking pickup for a musical instrument has a bobbin assembly with first and second bobbins. The musical instrument can be an electric guitar. A first coil is wound around the first bobbin, and a second coil is wound around the second bobbin. A permanent magnet or a plurality of permanent magnets extend through the first coil and second coil of the bobbin assembly. A housing is disposed over the bobbin assembly. Blades are disposed over side surfaces of the housing to redirect the magnetic flux toward the strings. A plurality of strings of the musical instrument is routed over a top surface of the housing parallel to opposing poles of the permanent magnet. Movement of the strings of the musical instrument disturbs a magnetic flux of the permanent magnet proximate to a first pole of the permanent magnet and a second pole of the permanent magnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2016Publication date: April 12, 2018Applicants: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, E.L.V.H., Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Shaw, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, Matthew Jonathon Bruck, Joshua D. Hurst
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Patent number: 9866966Abstract: A wireless audio system may be configured with a mobile communication device that is concurrently wirelessly connected to first and second monitors, respectively, via first and second wireless pathways. The first and second wireless pathways can be different and provide stereo audio reproduction with the first and second monitors with 5 ms of latency or less.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments CorporationInventor: Phillip Dale Lott
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Patent number: 9706284Abstract: An intelligent headphone may be configured at least with a headphone having a shape, size, and material to engage an ear of a user. The headphone may have at least a controller, accelerometer, and audio processor. The headphone accelerometer can be positioned to allow speech of the user to be sensed.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments CorporationInventor: Phillip Dale Lott
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Patent number: 9549238Abstract: An in-ear headphone may be constructed and operated with at least a housing sized to fit in an external auditory meatus of a user and have at least one audio driver. A fitment feature may extend from the housing and incorporate a plurality of flexible flanges cantilevered from a unitary base. The fitment feature may be configured to engage a tragus of the user to secure the housing within the external auditory meatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments CorporationInventor: Phillip Dale Lott
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Patent number: 9510084Abstract: An in-ear monitor that can be customized for particular applications and individuals includes a housing formed from a body and a cover. A dynamic driver is mounted in a cavity in the housing on an angled mounting flange. The dynamic driver is acoustically coupled to a trumpet-shaped sound collector. The trumpet-shaped sound collector is coupled to a main sound bore that exits an opening in a nozzle portion of the body that is inserted into the ear canal of a user. An ambient sound port collects ambient sound and couples it to the sound bore. An additional bass port increases the bass response of the monitor. Ear impressions are used to customize the body of the monitor to the ear of a user and the location of the bass and ambient sound ports can be altered for different applications.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments CorporationInventor: Phillip Dale Lott
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Publication number: 20160293145Abstract: A musical instrument has a body. A first shoulder pin is press fit into a first recess of the body. A second shoulder pin is press fit into a third recess of the body. The musical instrument has a neck. A neck plate is attached to the neck with countersunk screws. A surface of the neck plate is coplanar with a surface of the neck. The neck includes a reinforcing ridge on a surface of the neck plate. The neck is disposed in a cavity of the body and around the first shoulder pin and second shoulder pin. A rear plate is disposed in a recess of the body. A bolt is disposed through the body and rear plate. The bolt is attached to the neck through the neck plate. Only a single bolt is used to attach the body to the neck.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2015Publication date: October 6, 2016Applicant: FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATIONInventors: Keith L. Chapman, Christopher W. Baldwin, Ron Derek G. Dema-Ala
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Patent number: 9374633Abstract: An audio system comprises a first enclosure for housing a first audio component and a second enclosure for housing a second audio component. The first enclosure includes a surface having a plurality of first structures, the first structures comprising one selected from a group consisting of a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of receptacles. The second enclosure includes a surface having a plurality of second structures, the second structures comprising the other one from the group consisting of the plurality of protrusions and the plurality of receptacles. The protrusions are configured to be inserted into the receptacles along a first direction such that the first enclosure is maintained in a first position relative to the second enclosure in the presence of a shear force that is applied in a direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments CorporationInventors: Charles C. Adams, Dale Vernon Curtis, Jerry Kenneth Hubbard, Eric Matthew Miller
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Patent number: 9373313Abstract: A musical system uses a musical instrument with a first communication link and music related accessory with a second communication link for transmitting and receiving the audio signal and control data. A controller within the musical instrument or music related accessory is coupled to the first communication link for receiving control data to control operation of the musical instrument and transmitting an audio signal originating from the musical instrument through the first communication link as a cloud storage recording on a server connected to the first communication link. The cloud storage recording is initiated by detecting motion of the musical instrument or presence of the audio signal. The cloud storage recording is terminated a predetermined period of time after detecting no motion of the musical instrument or absence of the audio signal. A user control interface configures the musical instrument and the music related accessory.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments CorporationInventors: Keith L. Chapman, Charles C. Adams, Kenneth W. Porter, Stanley J. Cotey
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Patent number: 9373309Abstract: A stringed musical instrument comprises a neck and a cavity formed in the neck. The cavity includes a curved bottom surface and a chamfer in a sidewall of the cavity. An island is formed in the cavity. A fretboard is formed comprising a veneer and adapted to fit the cavity. The fretboard includes an opening adapted to encompass the island in the cavity. The cavity or fretboard is formed using a computer-controlled or numerically-controlled milling machine, router, water jet, or laser. The fretboard is mounted within the cavity, and the island in the cavity is disposed within the opening in the fretboard. Mounting the fretboard within the cavity includes flexing a sidewall of the cavity. An edge of the fretboard contacts a sidewall of the cavity without a visible gap.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments CorporationInventor: Ferenc Koszegfalvi
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Publication number: 20150332660Abstract: A guitar has a control system with a control surface disposed over the guitar and connected to the control system. A gesture is performed over the control surface. The gesture is created by user interaction with the control surface, such as movement of one or more fingers. The operation of the control surface is selectable and generates electrical signals representative of the gesture. An audio signal generated by the guitar is modified in response to the control signal. A musical accessory, e.g., an amplifier, effects box, synthesizer, special effects, or speaker is coupled to the guitar. The control signal is sent to the accessory to modify and control properties of the accessory. A configuration of the accessory and a configuration of the guitar are modified in response to the control signal. The control system is programmed to output the control signal over a wireless network.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: November 19, 2015Applicant: Fender Musical Instruments CorporationInventors: Charles C. Adams, Keith L. Chapman
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Publication number: 20150201255Abstract: A portable studio monitor system has a first monitor and a second monitor. The first monitor has a first securing assembly. The second monitor has a second securing assembly. The first securing assembly and second securing assembly are configured to secure the first monitor to the second monitor and prevent the first and second monitors from unintentionally separating. The first monitor has a first handle. The second monitor has a second handle. A handle grip is disposed over the first handle and the second handle to prevent the first monitor from separating from the second monitor. The first securing assembly includes a first portion of a bump/receptacle mechanism and the second monitor includes a second portion of the bump/receptacle mechanism. The first and second monitors each include a baffle disposed over a hollow outer cabinet. A plurality of ribs is formed over the sidewalls of the hollow outer cabinet.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2014Publication date: July 16, 2015Applicant: Fender Musical Instruments CorporationInventor: Kenneth W. Porter
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Publication number: 20150176890Abstract: An audio cable is cryogenically treated in a cryogenic chamber. The cable is disposed within the cryogenic chamber. A temperature in the cryogenic chamber decreases to a level between ?157° C. and ?184° C. over 12 hours of the cryogenic treatment profile. The temperature in the cryogenic chamber is held steady state at the level for 8-12 hours. The temperature in the cryogenic chamber increases back to an ambient temperature over 8 hours. A computer control system controls the temperature in the cryogenic chamber by regulating nitrogen gas flow into the cryogenic chamber. The temperature in the cryogenic chamber can be decreased in a first stepped profile, and then increased in a second stepped profile. Alternatively, a bare conductor is disposed within the cryogenic chamber. The bare conductor is cryogenically treated and then used in another device, such as cable, magnetic pickup, speaker voice coil, microphone, and instrument string.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2013Publication date: June 25, 2015Applicant: Fender Musical Instruments CorporationInventors: Niko D. Spanos, Donald W. Wichman
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Publication number: 20140096667Abstract: A musical system uses a musical instrument with a first communication link and music related accessory with a second communication link for transmitting and receiving the audio signal and control data. A controller within the musical instrument or music related accessory is coupled to the first communication link for receiving control data to control operation of the musical instrument and transmitting an audio signal originating from the musical instrument through the first communication link as a cloud storage recording on a server connected to the first communication link. The cloud storage recording is initiated by detecting motion of the musical instrument or presence of the audio signal. The cloud storage recording is terminated a predetermined period of time after detecting no motion of the musical instrument or absence of the audio signal. A user control interface configures the musical instrument and the music related accessory.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATIONInventors: Keith L. Chapman, Charles C. Adams, Kenneth W. Porter, Stanley J. Cotey
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Publication number: 20140033900Abstract: A communication system provides connection, configuration, and control of a musical instrument. A musical instrument includes a first communication link disposed on the musical instrument. Various music related accessories, such as a speaker, effects pedal, computer, mobile communication device, and synthesizer, includes a second communication link. A communication link transmits and receives the audio signal and control data between the musical instrument and accessories through the first and second communication links. A controller receives the audio signal and control data for configuring and controlling the device. The communication link is further connected to a computer, mobile communication device, and server through a communication network. A web server interface is coupled to the communication link for user selection and viewing of the control data in human perceive form.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATIONInventors: Keith L. Chapman, Charles C. Adams, Stanley J. Cotey, Kenneth W. Porter
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Publication number: 20130340591Abstract: A stringed musical instrument comprises a neck and a cavity formed in the neck. The cavity includes a curved bottom surface and a chamfer in a sidewall of the cavity. An island is formed in the cavity. A fretboard is formed comprising a veneer and adapted to fit the cavity. The fretboard includes an opening adapted to encompass the island in the cavity. The cavity or fretboard is formed using a computer-controlled or numerically-controlled milling machine, router, water jet, or laser. The fretboard is mounted within the cavity, and the island in the cavity is disposed within the opening in the fretboard. Mounting the fretboard within the cavity includes flexing a sidewall of the cavity. An edge of the fretboard contacts a sidewall of the cavity without a visible gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: Fender Musical Instruments CorporationInventor: Ferenc Koszegfalvi
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Patent number: 8400221Abstract: An apparatus and method for biasing each amplifier of an amplification stage provides that the voltage across each current sensing element of each amplifier of the amplification stage is measured. For each pair of voltage measurements taken, a sum and difference is calculated, where the sum is processed to determine minima peaks and the difference is averaged. A portion of the sum term and the average of the difference term are summed to yield the individual bias current conducted by a first amplifier of the amplification stage. The difference between a portion of the sum term and the average of the difference term is calculated to yield the individual bias current conducted by the second amplifier of the amplification stage. The bias current conducted by the first and second amplifiers may then be individually modified manually, or conversely, may be modified automatically based upon the bias current measurements taken.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments CorporationInventor: Charles C. Adams
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Publication number: 20120294457Abstract: An audio system has a signal processor coupled for receiving an audio signal from a musical instrument or vocals. A time domain processor receives the audio signal and generates time domain parameters of the audio signal. A frequency domain processor receives the audio signal and generates frequency domain parameters of the audio signal. The audio signal is sampled and the time domain processor and frequency domain processor operate on a plurality of frames of the sampled audio signal. The time domain processor detects onset of a note of the sampled audio signal. A signature database has signature records each having time domain parameters and frequency domain parameters and control parameters. A recognition detector matches the time domain parameters and frequency domain parameters of the audio signal to a signature record of the signature database. The control parameters of the matching signature record control operation of the signal processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012
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Publication number: 20120294459Abstract: A consumer audio system has a signal processor coupled for receiving an audio signal. The audio signal is sampled into a plurality of frames. The sampled audio frames are separated into sub-frames according to the type or frequency content of the sound generating source. A time domain processor generates time domain parameters from the separated sub-frames. A frequency domain processor generates frequency domain parameters from the separated sub-frames. The time domain processor or frequency domain processor can detects onset of a note of the audio signal. A signature database has signature records each having time domain parameters and frequency domain parameters and control parameters. A recognition detector matches the time domain parameters and frequency domain parameters of the separated sub-frames to a signature record of the signature database. The control parameters of the matching signature record control operation of the signal processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012
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Patent number: RE43075Abstract: A headblock and fingerboard support assembly for a stringed instrument includes a fingerboard support assembly for mounting to a neck and fingerboard of the stringed instrument. The fingerboard support assembly further includes a plate having an integrated rail structure. A headblock has an integrated channel for receiving the integrated rail structure. The headblock is adapted to secure to the fingerboard support assembly. A method of assembling a stringed instrument includes mounting a plate structure to a neck and fingerboard of the stringed instrument, where the plate includes an integrated rail, and mounting a headblock to an interior surface of a body of the stringed instrument, where the headblock has an integrated channel structure for receiving the integrated rail of the plate structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments CorporationInventors: Kevin M. Kroeger, Meaulnes Laberge, Timothy P. Shaw, Daniel J. Smith, Donald Scott Wade, Jr.
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Patent number: D817385Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignees: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, E.L.V.H., Inc.Inventors: Timothy P. Shaw, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, Matthew Jonathon Bruck, Joshua D. Hurst