Abstract: A high-hat stand has a telescopic guide tube supported by a pedestal, a pedal mechanism connected to a movable rod inserted in the telescopic guide tube and a generally U-letter shaped connector for connection, a heel of the pedal mechanism to the pedestal, wherein the generally U-letter shaped connector has a certain modulus of section so as to keep the clasticity thereof against a maximum bending moment exerted thereon during a performance so that the high-hat stand is simple in structure without sacrifice of the stability.

Abstract: An improved harmonica is disclosed that includes a plurality of reeds and means operatively associated with at least one of the reeds that converts the mechanical vibration of the reed into electrical energy. The electrical signals are obtained and processed by a sensor board having sensors positioned thereon that correspond to the plurality of reeds on the reed plates of the harmonica. A variety of types and configurations for these sensors are provided. In addition, a piezoelectric material can be employed in conjunction with the reeds to alter the characteristics of their mechanical vibration during harmonica play. The sensor board or boards of the harmonica can be electrically coupled to auxiliary signal conditioning equipment, such as stereo equipment or conventional amplification equipment to further enhance play. Methods for retrofitting a commercially available harmonica with at least one sensor board are also provided.

Abstract: The musical slide rule has a base listing two sets of musical note symbols, each set arranged in two columns. The base is imprinted on both sides. The cover has apertures in each side and is slidable on the base. One side is the flat (♭) side, and the opposite side is the sharp (♯) side. There are also ways that the user will know that the wrong side is being used. Aligning the apertures of the cover with a musical note symbol on the base gives the user information such as the notes of the major and minor scale for that note, and chords for that note.

Abstract: A multifunctional guitar stand has a tripod stand, a lower pipe disposed on the tripod stand, a middle pipe inserted in the lower pipe, a T-shaped joint disposed on the middle pipe, an upper pipe inserted in the T-shaped joint, a microphone stand disposed on the upper pipe receiving a microphone, a retaining fork device connected to the T-shaped joint, and a U-shaped fork inserted through the lower pipe.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive switch comprises a base member having a mounting surface formed of electrically-insulating material; two electrodes mounted on the base member and each having an electrically-conductive contact surface, and a flexible diaphragm having its periphery secured in a fluid-tight manner to the mounting surface with its electrically-conductive central portion overlying the contact surfaces of the electrodes. The diaphragm, which is formed with plural corrugations, is exposed to the external pressure. When the switch is exposed to atmospheric pressure, the central portion of the diaphragm does not touch the contact surfaces of said electrodes, but when the switch is exposed to a super-atmospheric pressure, this central portion is forced into contact with both contact surfaces, thus electrically connecting the two electrodes. This pressure-sensitive switch is especially useful for use with hydrophones, as in seismic streamer cables.

Abstract: A string instrument with one or more synthetic strings. The instrument includes (a) a tailpiece with at least one contact ridge and (b) a bridge spaced apart from the tailpiece. The synthetic string includes a conventionally not played, freely oscillating string segment between the contact ridge of the tailpiece and the bridge. The entire segment between the contact ridge of the tailpiece and the bridge has a uniform construction and a substantially constant diameter.

Abstract: A catalytic converter for cleaning exhaust gas, particularly from a small engine, includes a converter housing and at least one honeycomb body disposed therein and containing layers of sheet metal having catalytically active material. The converter is disposed on a dividing wall of a muffler housing for a small engine. The dividing wall has at least one opening. The housing has an upper housing component and a lower housing component. The converter housing is shaped in such a way that exhaust gas can flow successively through the honeycomb body and the opening and the converter housing is spaced apart from the muffler housing. Such a converter can be manufactured cost-effectively, can easily be integrated into existing structures and does not lead to unacceptable temperatures of the outer wall of the muffler housing during operation.

Abstract: A music teaching system is provided, comprising at least two musical instruments, each instrument having a mechanism for producing a musical note when the means is activated, each such mechanism being marked by a color corresponding to the particular musical note produced by the mechanism; and at least two display vehicles for displaying a combination of the colors. The invention may be accomplished using colored hand bells for the instruments and cards for the display vehicles.

Abstract: A space efficient, structurally rigid, integrated muffler and bumper assembly is provided. The muffler and bumper assembly comprises an extruded skeleton, an energy absorbing bumper, and a bumper fascia. The extruded skeleton is formed such that internal cavities or passage flow chambers exist. In turn, the walls of the flow chambers maintain a plurality of holes, allowing for passage of exhaust gases between chambers. The extruded skeleton also has an inlet and outlet for exhaust gas flow. Arms having tabs on the ends thereof extend from the top and bottom of the extruded skeleton such that the energy absorbing bumper, which maintains recesses in the top and bottom portions, snap-fits with the extruded skeleton. The extruded skeleton/bumper assembly is welded or otherwise mechanically fastened to the vehicle frame rails. The bumper fascia is introduced over the extruded skeleton/bumper assembly generally masking the assembly with the overall vehicle design.

Abstract: A cymbal made of a sound producing a plate which includes a plurality of linear ribs to enhance the strength of the cymbal and to provide a unique sounding cymbal. The ribs are positioned on the top and/or bottom surface of the cymbal. The ribs extend substantially from the center of the cymbal and/or from a point spaced from the center of the cymbal. The ribs extend substantially to the edge of the cymbal and/or extend to a point which is spaced from the edge of the cymbal.

Abstract: A device for use in combination with a musical drum for dampening extraneous and undesirable tones produced by the drumhead consisting of a means for affixing the device to the drum, such as, for example, a clamp assembly, mounted on a counterhoop. Connected to the clamp assembly is an L-shape bracket, which extends generally above the clamp and over a section of the edge portion of the drumhead surface where it attaches in pivotal relation to a horizontally extending arm, which is connected on its opposite end to a casing. An aperture is formed within the casing and extends entirely from the top end of the casing to the bottom. A vertically disposed plunger arm is slidably received through the aperture, and is connected at the bottom end to a plunger head, which includes a base portion and a felt pad or some similarly suitable material mounted thereon to act as the contact surface with the drumhead.

Abstract: A substitute drum, the combination comprising a hollow case to contain equipment for transportation, and removal from the case, the case having a side wall that is relatively stiff, and a support to support the case with a side wall extending in a selected position, during striking motion transmitted to the side wall by a drum beater.

Abstract: An adjustable cymbal stand comprises: a supporting frame clamped at a generic cymbal stand being provided with an upwardly extended positioning rod; a thread portion formed at a position near the bottom end of the positioning rod; a bearer unit for bearing an upper cymbal being screw-jointed with the positioning rod; the bearer unit having a supporting rod with a winged bolt locked onto the positioning rod; a bearer unit for bearing a lower cymbal being located under the bearer unit for bearing the upper cymbal, and composed of a regulating seat, wherein a turn knob is protruded laterally on both sides of the regulating seat, a tapped hole is formed in center of the regulating seat for screw-jointing with the thread portion of the positioning rod, and a spiral spring is disposed under the regulating seat for propping against the latter.

Abstract: A pulsation damper including an inlet, an outlet and a silencing member is disclosed. At least one of the inlet and the outlet is provided with a diffuser including a tubular member provided with a plurality of first openings, a plurality of second openings and reinforcement bodies extending around the tubular member. At least one of the second openings is covered by a plate having the first openings, smaller than the second openings therein.

Abstract: A five-string guitar is tuned in fifths to provide better sound. A five-string guitar is tuned in fifths to provide better sound by providing better harmonic separation of the notes played and by reducing “muddiness” or lack of clarity in the heard note. A number of realized embodiments enable the five-string guitar to accommodate a wide variety of stringed-instrument musical needs and preferences.

Abstract: Fabric retainers and methods for installing the fabric retainers within an acoustically treated room. The fabric retainers have a fabric retaining portion, and a chase or a raceway for running wires within the interior of the retainers. The chase has an open side which allows fasteners to be installed through the base of the retainer, and which allows for the insertion of wires into the chase. Retainers also have a retainer groove in which an acoustical fabric is secured, and a fabric retaining pocket to store the inserted fabric. Alternative retainer embodiments have two retainer grooves. A removeable cover is provided to secure the wiring within the chase, and to conceal the wiring within the chase. Also disclosed are methods for combining various retainer embodiments within a structure.

Abstract: A tone hole pad for a musical wind instrument is mounted inside a cup to open/close a tone hole. The tone hole pad is capable of producing an accurate sound without needing fine adjustments. A method of touch adjustment of the tone hole pad is also provided. This pad includes a circular metallic base 8 in which, a rising wall portion 5 is formed on an outer peripheral portion of a surface thereof. A ring-like concave portion 6 is formed which has an outside diameter just inside the rising wall portion and an inside diameter smaller than the tone hole 2. The concave portion 6 has an appropriate width and depth. A ring-like convex portion 7 is formed on a peripheral portion of a rear surface. A resin plate 10, in which a hole 4 is formed in the center thereof, is firmly fitted to the surface of the metallic base 8 such that it covers the surface. The resin plate 10 is inserted inside the metallic base 8 so as to form a space portion 9 in the ring-like concave portion 6.

Abstract: The speaker assembly includes a speaker housing having a closed top wall and an opposed open end. The speaker assembly further includes a first sound source having a cone with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The first sound source is mounted within the speaker housing such that the interior surface of the cone faces the closed top wall and the exterior surface substantially faces the opposed open end. A portion of the exterior surface of the cone is covered, thereby, revealing an exposed portion which defines the directionality of the first sound source. The speaker assembly also includes a second sound source having a cone with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The second sound source is mounted within the speaker housing such that the interior surface of the cone faces the closed top wall and the exterior surface substantially faces the opposed open end.

Abstract: A musical instrument stand, for mounting and display of one or a plurality of musical instruments such as a guitar. The device features an elongated member that is either attachable to a wall or floor mounted. Instruments are mounted between a pair of upper and lower instrument mounts or clusters of mounting brackets, each having a rotatable support bars to contact the side of the guitar when the mounting brackets are slid toward each other on a slidable mount to the elongated member. Angled ends of the support bars restrain the instrument in the stand when the support bars are rotated to place the angled ends in front of the mounted instrument. Abrasion of the instrument surface is avoided using a slideable cushion on each support bar that insulates the instrument surface from the support bar during rotation. A lockable cover optionally prevents removal of the instrument from its mount without first unlocking the cover.

Abstract: A device comprising a generally cylindrical shaped resilient cover with openings at opposite ends to receive in slidable relation the elongated rod component of a drum lug nut assembly. A slit is provided in combination with one of the openings to enable that end of the cover to expand and connect with the portion of the rod extending either below or above the nut component, as the situation requires. A portion of the back section of the cover is open to enable the cover to easily fit over and around the nut and the other components of the drum lug nut assembly that protrude beyond the surface of the drumshell.