Abstract: A bell and hammer rotational device is shown and described. The bell and hammer rotational device includes a frame which is made up of at least two side walls. The frame has a spindle rotatably secured thereto. A rotational device is coupled to the spindle such that the spindle will rotate the rotational device, when the spindle is rotated. At least one bell is secured about a perimeter of the rotational device. A bell hammer is secured to the frame. The bell hammer is positioned such that it will strike the at least one bell, at least once, with each revolution of the rotational device.

Abstract: A protective coating is applied to a bell body composed of bronze by simply dip-coating the bell with an outer layer of zinc. The process is carried out by immersing the bell body in a hot aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide and powdered free zinc. After the bell is removed from the coating solution it is rinsed and then polished. The coating protects the bell from environmental contaminants without changing the frequency or musical quality of the bell and therefore may be used equally with newly manufactured or refurbished bells.

Abstract: A protective coating is applied to a bell body composed of bronze by simply dip-coating the bell with an outer layer of zinc. The process is carried out by immersing the bell body in a hot aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide and powdered free zinc. After the bell is removed from the coating solution it is rinsed and then polished. The coating protects the bell from environmental contaminants without changing the frequency or musical quality of the bell and therefore may be used equally with newly manufactured or refurbished bells.

Abstract: A bell ensemble includes individual bells affixed to one of two parallel rails of a support framework. In keyboard fashion, a series of bells representing natural-pitched notes of a musical scale (white piano keys) extends forwardly from the front rail while extending from a second rearward rail are those bells corresponding to the sharps or flats (black piano keys). In order to position the bells for greatest ease of striking by the musician, the rear framework support rail is offset upwardly relative to the front rail to place them closer to the musician. The framework is preferably held by a freestanding support such as a cymbal stand well-known in the percussion instrument arts.

Abstract: A handchime includes a main tube with a clapper assembly for striking one of two tines at the end of a tubular body. An elastomeric damper block is fitted in compression between the inside surfaces of the side walls of the tine which the clapper strikes. The damper block is located at a distance approximately one-third the length of the tine from its base. The damper block includes raised portions in contacting relation with the horizontal inside surface of the tine, and is preferably affixed by an adhesive.

Abstract: A clapper assembly includes circular strikers which can be individually rotated so that a new portion of the surface of the striker is presented in the direction of the clapper stroke. A pair of opposing plates located at the end of the clapper bar retain circular, donut-shaped striking elements. Each striker is secured between the plates by a retaining screw through the axis of the striking element. By loosening the screws, the individual strikers may be rotated. Thus, when a portion of the striker becomes worn, it may be loosened and manually rotated to a new position so that a fresh unused area is presented. In addition, the entire clapper assembly may be rotated so that strikers of different compressibility can be interchanged.

Abstract: A handbell table cover pad comprises inflatable cushions for providing a cushioned support for handbells resting on the top surface of the pad. The pads include valleys along their top surfaces which cradle the bells while placed on top of the cushions for locating and supporting the individual handbells. A plurality of internal ribs are joined between the inside surfaces of top and bottom panels to create the valleys. The material of the cushions is preferably a heavy-gauge PVC, cut into panels which are joined along airtight seams by ultrasonic welding. The inflatable pads may be spray coated with a self-adhering flock fiber which provides the look and feel of a soft fabric surface.

Abstract: A tuned musical handbell has been devised which has a surprisingly excellent musical tone quality. A bell casting made from aluminum is sized and tuned by metalworking processes to frequencies below 196 Hertz. Aluminum alloys, such as numbers 319, 356, and Precedent 71 are suitable. The aluminum handbells are produced as individual elements of a complete set which include the use of aluminum for frequencies below 196 Hertz, and bronze for frequencies above 196 Hertz.

Abstract: A hand-held percussion musical instrument includes a swinging tone-generating plate, which is hinged and moved when being played. The tone plate is sounded by impact with the body of the instrument, which includes a resonator and impact member located at the point of contact with the tone plate. The tone plate swings on a hinge, which is a flexible elastomeric joint that secures the tone plate to the resonator. A pleated, accordion-type elastomeric member is affixed between the end of the tone plate and body of the instrument to control the lateral movement of the tone plate and limit its backswing.

Abstract: An anti-roll hand clip for handbells aids in the support of the handbell when resting on the playing table. The clip is a simple, wire device which attaches to the handle of the handbell and, more particularly, to the circular hand guard portion of the handle. The clip contains two feet which contact the table top providing a stable support. The clip is rotatable around the hand guards so that an angular position of the handbell handle with respect to the table top can be selected and maintained. The clip may be coated with an electrostatic powder coating of vinyl or the like to increase its non-slip quality and for abrasion resistence.

Abstract: A collapsible table cover assembly for use in the handbell performing arts also serves as a convenient carrying case for implements used in playing handbells. The collapsible nature of the cover also makes the article more compact for convenient transportation. A rear pocket portion is attached to an outer cover so that playing implements may be conveniently at hand during a handbell performance. Specially selected foam padding is employed to enhance the musical quality of the table cover. A releaseably detachable apron provides aesthetic appeal while contributing to the assembly's portability.