Abstract: A novel pivoting anchor assembly for a tremolo mechanism includes a pivot support structure, a pivot and an anchor structure for receiving and holding an end of a tensioned string. In a preferred embodiment, the pivoting anchor assembly includes a rate screw mounted on a pivoting tuning arm, the rate screw receiving: an anchor block including a string end anchor; a jaw opening; and a knife edge extending into the jaw opening. An upper portion of the rate screw includes a circumferential knife edge seat and extends through the jaw opening such that the knife edge is received within the knife edge seat, so as to form a knife edge pivot. The knife edge pivot allows the anchor block with the string end anchor to pivot both axially and radially relative to the rate screw in response to changes in the magnitude and direction of the tension force exerted long the tensioned string.

Abstract: A joint between a neck and a body of a stringed musical instrument is described, wherein a neck receiving cavity in the body has a sloped major bearing surface. The sloped major bearing surface urges the neck laterally into a side surface of the neck receiving cavity as a connector pulls the neck into the neck receiving cavity. By urging the neck into a side surface of the neck receiving cavity, a second bearing surface is made in a different plane than the major bearing surface, which makes a more rigid joint between the body and the neck of the musical instrument.

Abstract: The tremolo mechanism includes a novel cam actuated lock having a plurality of parallel locking channels disposed on an engagement surface of a movable locking arm and further having a locking ridge disposed on an engagement surface of a locking block so as to be in aligned opposition with the locking channels. Each pairing of locking channels is separated by a chromatic spacing distance corresponding to a chromatic half step change in the pitch of the plurality of tensioned strings. The lock of the further including a cam actuated torsion bar to positioning the locking arm according to a cam follower's position on a cam profile. The torsion bar provides a flexible means of applying a motive force for moving the locking arm such that, with the locking ridge and a selected locking channel misaligned and the cam follower disposed upon the locked seat, the torsion bar elastically deforms as the locking ridge is received by a land disposed between the locking channels without damaging the lock.

Abstract: A digital media communications and control system includes a plurality of audio devices each of which includes a device interface module for communication of digital media data and control data from at least one of the devices to at least one other of the devices. A universal data link is operatively connected to each of the device interface modules. The device interface modules and universal data links are operative in combination to connect the devices together in the system and provide full duplex communication of the digital media data and control data between the devices.

Abstract: A digital guitar system and method includes a digital guitar and a digital guitar interface device, and a method of converting a conventional guitar into a digital guitar. The guitar is adapted to generate analog audio signals, convert those signals into digital signals, format the digital signals according to a digital communication protocol, and to output the formatted signals. The guitar may include a novel multi-signal guitar pickup that generates some of the analog audio signals. The guitar is further adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals. The interface device is adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals.

Abstract: This invention is a guitar strap lock apparatus for connection to a guitar strap button on a guitar. The apparatus has a lock body defining a cavity with a resilient retainer latch attached to the lock body. The resilient retainer latch partially protrudes over a side opening in the lock body so that a securing portion of the button is secured within the latch when the button is received in the cavity.

Abstract: A new approach has been developed to combine mid-range and high frequency sound into the throat of a horn designed for sound reinforcement. An acoustic low pass filter element is interposed between the lower frequency passage and the higher frequency passage, so that a smooth combination of the two frequency bands is achieved at the entrance to the horn bell. Thus, each frequency band has nearly identical dispersion, and the two sources have equal delay.

Abstract: The invention pertains to utilizing a data packet with a header extended to contain information dealing with the payload. Specifically, IEEE 802.1Q standard contains an extendable header which is normally utilized to contain information regarding a VLAN. However, these fields can also be utilized to provide information about the payload of the data packet. In this manner, networking devices which are primarily concerned with layer 2 data-link layer protocols can transmit information according to the information being transmitted by the packet.

Abstract: A reluctance pickup for a guitar including a pair of magnetic pole pieces disposed within wire coils. The coils are oppositely wound and wired in series. Each pole piece has an elongated magnetic pole end extending above its respective coil. The pole pieces are disposed so as to form a pickup face having two approximately parallel elongated pole ends. The elongated pole ends have opposite magnetic polarities and create a magnetic field therebetween. The pickup is mounted beneath a magnetically permeable string such that a projection of the string intersects the pole ends at a selected orientation angle between approximately 28 degrees and approximately 58 degrees, preferably, 43 degrees, so as to optimize selected performance parameters of the pickup, including: channel-to-channel separation, frequency response, and dynamic response.

Abstract: A remote control unit includes a remote control computer system including an input/output device, a remote control communication system, a remote control speaker system and a remote control memory. The unit also includes remote control software for controlling various interactions between the remote control unit and a combination recorder and player system associated with the remote control unit.

Abstract: Systems for distributing music to a plurality of customers via the Internet provide each customer with a uniquely identified proprietary device for receiving, playing and recording music. A music server computer system is provided for distributing the music to the proprietary devices over the Internet. The system provides for tracking usage of the music on the proprietary devices and reporting the usage data over the Internet to the music server compute system. The system provides for the secure distribution of digital music content over the Internet to consumers in a manner that allows efficient and economical usage of the content by consumers, while providing adequate usage reporting to copyright owners and providing adequate copy protection to prohibit unauthorized usage.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a secure communication system, the system including a plurality of devices capable of sending and receiving files. A unique identifier, which may include the MAC address of the sending device, is embedded in each file. A unique file identification is embedded in each file. Purchasers or other rights owners of files are registered in a database via a registration server to establish proof of ownership of rights in the file.

Abstract: The combination recorder and player system includes a recorder/player unit and a remote control unit. The recorder/player unit includes a recorder/player computer system and recorder/player software that is operable to cause the recorder/player to record, play, and burn CDs. The remote control unit includes a remote control computer system and remote control software that can be used to control the recorder/player unit. The system can be used to automatically copy all of the audio on CDs into memory on the recorder/player, to control multiple pieces of audio and video equipment, and to download and store new music from the Internet.

Abstract: A digital guitar system and method includes a digital guitar and a digital guitar interface device, and a method of converting a conventional guitar into a digital guitar. The guitar is adapted to generate analog audio signals, convert those signals into digital signals, format the digital signals according to a digital communication protocol, and to output the formatted signals. The guitar may include a novel multi-signal guitar pickup that generates some of the analog audio signals. The guitar is further adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals. The interface device is adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals.

Abstract: Systems for distributing music to a plurality of customers via the Internet provide each customer with a uniquely identified proprietary device for receiving, playing and recording music. A music server computer system is provided for distributing the music to the proprietary devices over the Internet. The system provides for tracking usage of the music on the proprietary devices and reporting the usage data over the Internet to the music server compute system. The system provides for the secure distribution of digital music content over the Internet to consumers in a manner that allows efficient and economical usage of the content by consumers, while providing adequate usage reporting to copyright owners and providing adequate copy protection to prohibit unauthorized usage.

Abstract: A guitar interface device for a digital guitar system is adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals, so that the digital guitar system may be utilized with conventional analog equipment. The interface device includes an input assembly to receive the digital signals, a processing circuit to generate the analog signals, and an output assembly to output the analog signals.

Abstract: Systems for distributing music to a plurality of customers via the Internet provide each customer with a uniquely identified proprietary device for receiving, playing and recording music. A music server computer system is provided for distributing the music to the proprietary devices over the Internet. The system provides for tracking usage of the music on the proprietary devices and reporting the usage data over the Internet to the music server compute system. The system provides for the secure distribution of digital music content over the Internet to consumers in a manner that allows efficient and economical usage of the content by consumers, while providing adequate usage reporting to copyright owners and providing adequate copy protection to prohibit unauthorized usage.

Abstract: A novel multi-signal guitar pickup is provided. The pickup includes a coil assembly for each string that is capable of generating two signals which can be combined together in a predetermined manner to generate an x-plane and a y-plane signal. The pickup is particularly useful in a digital guitar system which generates multiple digital signals representative of the vibrations of each string.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting an output transistor in an audio amplifier output stage includes a protection circuit that protects the output transistor from excessive currents and voltages, and does not interfere with the normal operation of the output transistor. The protection circuit generates an estimate of the power dissipated by the output transistor, applies this estimate to an electrical analog of the thermal time constants of the transistor to obtain an estimate of the temperature differential between junction and case, compares this differential to a limit, which is a function of transistor case temperature.